How to make Jalapeno Simple Syrup (Easy!)

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

Have you ever wanted to easily add bold, spicy flavors to your cocktails? Then you’ll love this Jalapeno Simple Syrup! Not only is it easy to make with just 3 ingredients, but it’s a perfect fit for spicy margaritas, jalapeno palomas, marinades, glazes, and more. Happy hour here we come!

It may sound like homemade jalapeno syrup is going to be overwhelmingly spicy, but the sugar and hot peppers balance each other quite nicely. Plus, you can adjust the heat by leaving the peppers to steep in the syrup longer or by using a whole pepper instead of sliced.

Whip up a batch and try it in my cocktail recipes like Honey Bee Margarita or Grapefruit Paloma! The added kick of flavor is hard to resist.

Want to experiment with more of your own simple syrup infusions? Check out these 15+ Flavored Simple Syrup Recipes for more fun creations!

❓ What is simple syrup

Simple syrup is made by simmering equal parts sugar and water together. After the sugar dissolves, the mixture becomes thick and viscous. It’s a sweet ingredient that can add balance and flavor to your favorite cocktails, mocktails, whipped cream, cakes, and more.

🍴Ingredients

• Water - Use regular tap water or take the flavor up a notch with filtered water.
• Sugar - Granulated sugar is best here. You can use regular white sugar or turbinado sugar, caster sugar, or demerara sugar for a deeper color and flavor profile.
• Jalapeño Peppers - Fresh jalapeno peppers only! Slice them up (seeds, veins, and all) and toss them in the sugar mixture. The flavors from this spicy chili pepper will seep into the syrup, giving the end result a slightly sweet, earthy, and spicy finish.

⚒️ Equipment

Making this jalapeno simple syrup recipe (or really any sweet syrup) is a snap. All you need are basic kitchen tools before making spicy cocktails with a cocktail shaker. Here’s what I suggest you grab:

• Saucepan - Every kitchen needs a small saucepan. If possible, splurge a little bit for one with a heavy bottom — it’ll last much longer than cheap versions and will also help to minimize the chance of scorching.
• Mesh Strainer - You’re welcome to fish out the jalapeno slices using a slotted spoon if you prefer, but placing the mesh strainer over the funnel leading into your squeeze bottle is the quickest, most direct method I’ve tried.
• Squeeze Bottle & Funnel - These are optional, but they are the easiest way I know how to store simple syrup without making a sticky mess of your fridge. The squeeze bottle also makes it easy to measure exactly what you need. You’re also welcome to use a mason jar, delitainer, or any other container with a tight-fitting lid.

📖 Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the simple syrup. Simmer the equal parts water and sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Infuse with the jalapenos. Toss in the jalapeño slices and continue heating for 30 seconds. Afterward, remove the saucepan from the heat and leave the peppers to steep.

Step 3: Strain the hot syrup with a fine mesh sieve and enjoy! Use the spicy syrup right away or allow it to cool to room temperature and bottle it for later.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

• Not a huge fan of a high spice level? Simmer the whole jalapenos instead of the slices. This way, you avoid the jalapeno seeds, flesh, and veins (where most of the heat and spice resides) from getting into the simple syrup.
• For an extra spicy jalapeño simple syrup - Leave the sliced jalapenos in the syrup instead of straining them.
• Instead of jalapenos - Take the heat level up a notch and use slightly hotter serrano peppers or habanero peppers instead.

❓ How to use spicy simple syrup

The best way to use jalapeño syrup is in spicy margaritas. Up your cocktail game by adding infused simple syrup in my Tequila Honey Bee Margarita for jalapeno syrup or add a little to these Coconut Pineapple Margaritas instead.

That’s not all! You can use the spicy syrup anywhere you need an extra boost of flavor, such as:

• In passion fruit mojitos, jalapeno martinis, and gin gimlets.
• For a spicy kick in a large pitcher of the paloma cocktail.
• A great addition to creative mocktail recipes.
• Drizzled over waffles, pancakes, savory crepes, or corn and zucchini fritters.
• In marinades or sauces for grilled meat and vegetables.
• In glazes for fruit salads, dinner rolls, and savory quick breads.

💭 Recipe FAQs

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