Jump to:
Why you'll love this recipe
- Easy to make: This recipe takes 3 ingredients and just 10 minutes to make. It couldn't be any easier!
- Restaurant-quality cocktails: Simple syrup is a staple for quality cocktails—but homemade fresh jalapeño-infused simple syrup takes it to another level! The mild heat compliments many cocktails, especially fruit-forward ones.
- Reliable: Our recipe method creates a delicious jalapeño simple syrup that tastes just like you want it to. Other recipes often tell you to leave the jalapeño peppers steeping in the syrup while it's stored in the fridge. But, this method creates unreliable results. The simple syrup will get spicier over time, which means your cocktails won't be consistent—and possibly, too spicy!
- Versatile: This jalapeño simple syrup can be used in many different cocktails. Or, keep things alcohol free by mixing it with sparking water and ice for a tasty mocktail.
- Make ahead friendly: Extras keep in the fridge for up to one month.
What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made of just sugar and water. Simple syrup mixes evenly in cold beverages, because the sugar is already dissolved in the water. (Granulated sugar, on the other hand, does not dissolve quickly in cold drinks). As result, simple syrup is often used to sweeten iced coffee, iced tea, cocktails, and mocktails. Simple syrup can be flavored with fruit, herbs, spices—and even jalapeno peppers, like in today's recipe!
Standard simple syrup is made with equal parts sugar and water (1:1). For example, one cup of sugar and one cup of water (or equal weight, if you want to be even more precise). Rich simple syrup is made with two parts sugar and one part water (2:1). The result is a sweeter, more viscous syrup (source).
Tip: If a recipe lists a certain amount of "simple syrup", assume it is standard simple syrup (1:1). If you're using a rich simple syrup, use half the amount specified—taste, then add more if needed. It's always easier to add more sweetness than remove it!
Recipe ingredients
This Jalapeño Simple Syrup recipe calls for just 3 ingredients: water, sugar, jalapeño peppers.
- Jalapeño peppers: When testing this recipe, we found that 3 peppers yielded a crowd-pleasing level of heat, without being over-powering. Remember, the simple syrup will seem a bit spicier on it's own—but you use very little of it in each drink—so the end result is just right. But, if you want a very mild, almost undetectable level of spice, opt for 2 peppers.
- Sugar: We recommend granulated sugar for the clearest, lightest simple syrup. Alternatively, you can use cane sugar instead—the simple syrup will be a bit darker but will taste just as good!
Find the recipe card below for the complete recipe, including all ingredients and instructions.
How to make
This easy Jalapeño Simple Syrup recipe takes only 10 minutes to make.
Find the recipe card below for the complete recipe, including all ingredients and instructions.
How to adjust heat level
The jalapeño pepper's age and growing conditions (amount of sun and water) impact how spicy it is (source). But, you don't often don't know exactly until you use it!
In developing this recipe, we tested different quantities and batches of jalapeño peppers. We found that the simple syrup made with 3 peppers had enough heat to be noticeable in cocktails, without being too spicy. But, if you are very sensitive to heat or suspect you have extra spicy peppers on your hands, you can opt for 2 peppers to start.
Once you've infused the simple syrup, you can give it a taste (—just make sure it's cooled down enough to be safe to touch!). You want the simple syrup to taste fairly spicy on it's own. Remember, you only add a splash to a cocktail, so the heat will get diluted in the drink.
If the simple syrup tastes too spicy: Dilute the syrup with more sugar and water (added in equal parts), until it is to your liking.
If the simple syrup isn't spicy enough: Add back the sliced jalapeno peppers (and add more fresh sliced peppers, depending on how much heat you want to add), and rewarm over low heat until it's spicy enough.
How to use
There are many ways to use delicious Jalapeño Simple Syrup—here are some ideas:
Jalapeño Cocktails
- Spicy Pineapple Margaritas: These sweet and slightly spicy cocktails are a crowd pleaser—and they really easy to make!
- Cocktail Glass Rimmer: You can use the simple syrup to lightly rim the cocktail glass, so salt will stick to it! The combination is sweet, salty, with a bit of heat. Delish!
Mocktails
- Jalapeno Fizz: Pour a splash of jalapeño simple syrup over a glass of ice, and add sparkling water and a squeeze of lime. Stir and enjoy!
- Spicy Pineapple Mocktail: Make Spicy Pineapple Margaritas, without the alcohol, and add a splash of sparkling water instead.
Other
- Marinades: You can use the jalapeño simple syrup in place of a liquid sweetener, for an added kiss of heat.
- Dressings: Add a splash, instead of honey or maple syrup, in salad dressings to help balance out the acidity from vinegars or lemon juice.
- Brush on cornbread or other baked goods: Brush a light layer over baked goods that benefit from a simple syrup—the mild jalapeno heat pairs especially well with cornbread!
Frequently asked questions
Standard simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water) will last up to 1 month in the fridge. Rich simple syrup (2:1 ratio of sugar to water) will last up to 6 months in the fridge (source). These estimates are for simple syrup made using the hot-process (recipe below).
However, the shelf life is cut in half if you used a cold-process (unheated) method to make simple syrup, according to Food Republic.
Store the simple syrup in a clean jar or squeeze bottle. Store covered / sealed in the refrigerator.
Yes, simple syrup can go bad. Simple syrup usually lasts 2 weeks to 6 months in the fridge. It's shelf life depends on factors such as the ratio of sugar to water used and the process used to make it. For example, the hot-process method yields longer lasting simple syrup than cold-process.
If your simple syrup has a cloudy appearance or any visible mould, it has gone bad and should be discarded. The good news is that it's easy to make a new batch!
📖 Recipe
Jalapeño Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or cane sugar, see note 1)
- 1 cup water
- 2 to 3 medium jalapeño peppers, sliced ¼-inch (0.6 cm) thick (see note 2)
Instructions
- Heat: Combine sugar, water, and jalapeños in a small saucepan. Stir to combine. Warm over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved and the jalapeños are bright green, about 5 minutes.
- Drain and store: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a clean wide-mouth glass jar or container (see note 3). Pour the sugar mixture through the sieve and discard the jalapeños. Cover with a lid and refrigerate until cool (see note 4).
Notes
- Sugar: We recommend granulated sugar for the clearest, lightest simple syrup that won't change the color of your finished beverage. But, if you prefer, you can use cane sugar instead (the simple syrup will be slightly darker in color).
- Jalapeño Peppers: We usually use 3 jalapeños when making this simple syrup—it makes a crowd-pleasing, mildly spicy cocktails. Remember, the simple syrup should be spicy when you taste it on its own, because only a little gets used in each cocktail. If you suspect you have very spicy jalapeno peppers, you could reduce to 2 peppers to start. But, avoid using too little, otherwise you won't taste any jalapeño in the cocktail.
- Sieve alternative: If you don't have a fine mesh sieve, you can use a slotted spoon or fork to scoop out the jalapeños from the syrup. Then simply pour the syrup into the jar and store as directed.
- Adjusting spiciness, if needed: It's important for the simple syrup to taste somewhat spicy on it's own, because it will get diluted in the cocktail. When the simple syrup is cool enough to safely taste, feel free to adjust the spiciness if you need. To make the simple syrup spicier: Re-warm it with more sliced jalapenos. To make the simply syrup less spicy: Dilute it with more plain simple syrup (i.e. add equal parts sugar and water and gently warm until the sugar is dissolved).
- Yield: Makes about 1½ cups of simple syrup. Assumes 1 tablespoon per serving.
- Storage instructions: Store covered in the fridge for up to 1 month.
LEAVE A COMMENT