How to make Jalapeno Simple Syrup (Easy!)

Jalapeno Simple Syrup is a spicy and boldly flavored addition to cocktails, marinades, and more! It’s easy to make with 3 simple ingredients and lasts for up to a month.

Jump to:

• Homemade jalapeno simple syrup
• What is simple syrup?
• Ingredients needed
• Equipment
• How to make jalapeno simple syrup
• Tips and tricks
• How to use spicy simple syrup
• Storing
• Looking for more homemade simple syrup recipes?
• Jalapeno Simple Syrup

Homemade jalapeno simple syrup

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.

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 Honey Bee Margarita or Grapefruit Paloma! The added kick of flavor is hard to resist.

Want to experiment with more 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 cocktails, mocktails, whipped cream, cakes, and more.

Ingredients needed

• 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.

• Jalapenos - Fresh jalapenos 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 jalapeno syrup (or really any infused syrup) is a snap. All you need are basic kitchen tools. Here’s what I suggest you grab:

• Saucepan - Every kitchen needs a 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.

How to make jalapeno simple syrup

Step 1: Make the simple syrup. Simmer the water and sugar together in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves.

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

Step 3: Strain and enjoy! You can strain the solids from the jalapeno syrup once it’s completely cool or leave them in if you like it extra spicy. Use the spicy syrup right away or bottle it for later.

Tips and tricks

• Not a huge fan of spice? 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 jalapeno simple syrup - Leave the sliced jalapenos in the syrup instead of straining them.
• Instead of jalapenos - Take it up a notch and use slightly hotter serrano or habanero peppers instead.

How to use spicy simple syrup

The best way to use jalapeno simple syrup is in spicy margaritas. Swap the honey 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 paloma cocktail.
• A flavor-booster in 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.

Storing

To store: Keep the syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 1 month.

Looking for more homemade simple syrup recipes?

• Blackberry & Lilac Simple Syrup
• Demerara Simple Syrup
• Honey Simple Syrup
• Cardamom Simple Syrup
• Cranberry Simple Syrup

As always, I love seeing your creations and hearing from you! If you give this simple syrup infusion a whirl, please leave a review or share your creation with me on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest - for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter!