Jalapeño Simple Syrup

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Jalapeño Simple Syrup | Try this sweet and spicy simple syrup to add a little kick to your cocktails. This simple syrup is easy to make using just a kettle to the boil water and then adding sugar and fresh jalapeño slices. Give this syrup a try the next time you want to spice up your margarita!

Simple syrup in a small glass jar with jalapenos in the background.

Jalapeño simple syrup is an easy-to-make sweet and spicy syrup made by infusing jalapeño peppers with sugar and water.

What does infusing mean? Infusing means soaking an ingredient, in this case, jalapeño slices, in liquid to extract the flavor. The liquid, in this case, a simple syrup, takes on the flavor. The result is a sweet and spicy syrup that is perfect for use in cocktails.

This spicy simple syrup recipe is super easy and you really only need two ingredients: sugar and jalapeños. I feel Jalapeño Watermelon Margaritas coming on!

Why use simple syrup in cocktails?

Using simple syrup in cocktails is preferred over using sugar to sweeten them because sugar is grainy and needs hot liquid to dissolve. Cocktails are usually cold. Making simple syrup ahead of time means the sugar is pre-dissolved and can be chilled so the cocktails can be served cold. Simple syrup can also be infused with other flavors.

Why use an infused simple syrup in cocktails?

Using an infused syrup is an easy way to sweeten cocktails and add flavors like the spice from jalapeño, without using jalapeños slices in the cocktail.

Simple Syrup Easy Method

Don’t feel like babysitting a syrup on the stovetop? Try my easy kettle method. Just pour boiling water over the other ingredients, stir well, and let it sit for 15 minutes. The sugar will dissolve and the syrup will take on the heat from the jalapeños, all without dirtying a pot!

What is a simple syrup ratio?

Basic Simple Syrup: 1:1 sugar to water
Rich Simple Syrup: 2:1 sugar to water

Ingredients

See the recipe card for exact amounts.

A jar of water, a measuring cup of sugar, and a jalapeno on a white marble background.

jalapeño peppers: I use one fresh jalapeño for about 1/2 cup of simple syrup. This makes about 8 drinks if you’re using 1 tablespoon per drink.
sugar: regular white sugar. When I’m in Mexico and use the sugar there it gives the syrup an amber color.
water: Typically simple syrup is made on the stovetop by boiling the ingredients and then simmering. Using a kettle of boiling water also works and you don’t need to turn the oven on or dirty a saucepan!

Substitutions

peppers: Serrano peppers have a higher heat level and different taste than jalapeños, but you could try those. Infuse for a bit less or use less of the pepper.
don’t want the jalapeño? Leave it out and make my basic simple syrup recipe.

Instructions

Prep Tips

Boil a kettle of water
Slice the peppers. Use gloves if you are sensitive to heat – the capsaicin can get on your skin and cause a burning/tingling sensation. Wash your hands after handling peppers.

Add the jalapeño slices to a small jar. You can store it in this same jar.

Sugar is poured into a jar with jalapeno slices in it.

Add the sugar.

Water is poured into a jar of sugar and jalapeno slices.

Pour the boiling water on top of the sugar and jalapeño slices.

A spoon stir a jar of jalapeno slices, sugar, and water.

Stir well and then let sit for 15 minutes. Let it sit longer for a spicier syrup.

A jar of simple syrup with jalapeno slices in it.

The syrup will clear as the sugar dissolves in the hot water. The water has to be boiling for this no-boil method to work or the sugar doesn’t fully dissolve.

A spoon scoops jalapeno slices from a jar of simple syrup.

Strain the jalapenos out for a super clear and smooth syrup or just spoon them out.

Basic simple syrup lasts 2-4 weeks in the fridge. Since the jalapeños are strained out this syrup should also last that long. (I always use mine faster than this!)

Tips for making Jalapeño Simple Syrup

adjust the spice level: you can adjust the spice level of this recipe. Deseeding the peppers and letting it infuse for 10-15 minutes will yield a mildly spicy simple syrup. Using more jalapeño, with the seeds and letting it steep longer will result in a spicier simple syrup!
refrigerate: Store your simple syrup in the fridge for about 2-4 weeks.
slice the peppers: To get the most flavor out of the jalapeño slice it into thinner slices. This gives more surface area to infuse the flavor into the liquid.
strain: if you use the seeds, strain the syrup for a super clear syrup.

What to use Jalapeño Simple Syrup in?

I like this spicy simple syrup in my Watermelon Margaritas. It would also be good in my Mango Margaritas.

Want basic simple syrup? Read my Simple Syrup recipe post. For fall flavors try my Gingerbread Simple Syrup for Coffee.

Storage

Store simple syrup in the fridge for 2-4 weeks. Toss it if it smells or looks sketchy.

FAQs

How do I make jalapeño simple syrup?

Jalapeño simple syrup is made by either simmering water, sugar, and jalapeño slices together, or by covering jalapeños slices and sugar with boiling water and letting it sit for 15 minutes to infuse. The jalapeño is strained out.

What can I use jalapeño simple syrup for?

Jalapeño simple syrup is commonly used in cocktail recipes like margaritas. You can add this spicy simple syrup to lemonade or ice tea, or even in marinades for cooking.

How long does jalapeño simple syrup last?

Basic simple syrup lasts 2-4 weeks in a jar with a lid in the refrigerator.

Can I adjust the spiciness of jalapeño simple syrup?

For a milder syrup use less jalapeño and none of the seeds. For a spicier syrup use the seeds and add more jalapeño slices.

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