Jalapeño Simple Syrup

Jalapeño Simple Syrup is easy to make and an excellent way to kick up all of your favorite cocktails. Just 3 ingredients are all you need for the perfect spicy simple syrup to add some sweet heat to all of your beverages.

I remember when I was 21 and I started to try different drinks other than beer and wine. I had a sweet tooth and would often find myself with a whiskey sour, margarita, or some hard alcohol mixed with coke or sprite. These were cheap drinks where the alcohol ingredient came in a container that included a jug handle.

Over time I left the sweetness behind and have really enjoyed whiskeys neat as well as some tequilas and rums. Every now and again, I will enjoy a cocktail, especially if it has a savory component.

Last summer, my wife and I went to a restaurant for our anniversary. They had an interesting cocktail menu. I decided to try one that included jalapeno. I was so impressed by the depth of flavor it added to the drink as well as the pop of heat. It was delicious. I am starting to enjoy crafting my own cocktails with this jalapeno infused simple syrup.

How to Make Jalapeno Simple Syrup

This is a very easy simple syrup recipe and requires only three ingredients and takes about 5 minutes of prep time. Jalapeño syrup is the mix-in you've been waiting for!

Step One: Start by slicing up about three jalapeño peppers. You can really do any type of cut on these, although the more you cut and dice, the more amount of jalapeno flavor will be making its way into the simple syrup recipe.

Step Two: Make simple syrup. You do this by taking one cup of boiling water and dissolving one cup of sugar into it. You can either heat the water on the stovetop until it boils, or heat it up in a microwave-safe measuring cup in the microwave. If you have a large enough measuring cup, you can then add the cup of sugar directly to that once the water boils. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Final Step: Pour the simple syrup into a pint mason jar and add the jalapenos. Let is steep for at least 3 hours at room temperature. You can remove the jalapenos and store the syrup in the fridge until you are ready to make your cocktail.

Expert Tip: If you want a stronger jalapeno flavor, you can just leave the jalapenos in the simple syrup. Then you can also use them to make a nice garnish for when you want to serve your cocktail.

The Best Jalapeno Cocktails

I like to use this jalapeno simple syrup in a spin-off of a John Collins classic cocktail.  You can also use it in your spicy margarita. If you want to impress your guests, make mango margaritas and add this simple syrup to them. It tastes just like spicy mango salsa. It is amazing.

We also use this in our Spicy Skinny Margarita Recipe. Or sub it in for the rosemary simple syrup in this Rosemary Gimlet.

You can use this to replace your other simple syrup recipes in any of your favorite cocktails and see what changes it makes. Please let us know what ways you really enjoy this. We would love to try some of your ideas.

Other Ways to Use Jalapeño Simple Syrup

In addition to using jalapeno syrup in your favorite cocktails, you can also use it in lemonade, iced tea, or even drizzled over pineapple or watermelon. Think I'm crazy? Give it a try. It is amazing.

One of our other favorite ways to use it is serving with chicken and waffles! Just warm it up and drizzle on top.

Love this recipe? Check out our Honey Sriracha Sauce and Hot Honey BBQ Sauce next!