This Jalapeno Simple Syrup delivers just the right amount of heat. It's the "secret" ingredient to restaurant-quality cocktails with minimal effort!
We use this easy jalapeno syrup in many different drinks—including Spicy Pineapple Margaritas, Strawberry Jalapeno Margaritas, and Spicy Mango Margaritas. But, it also works well for marinades, dressings, or even desserts. This spiced simple syrup is seriously versatile—and keeps for up to a month in the fridge.
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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 in the syrup. 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 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.
Recipe video
Watch how to make this Jalapeño Simple Syrup (step-by-step).
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! Simple syrup is often made with white sugar, but you can also make brown sugar simple syrup instead.
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!
Ingredients (and substitutes)
You only need 3 ingredients to make this Jalapeño Simple Syrup.
- Fresh jalapeño peppers: In recipe tests, we found that 3 peppers made for a crowd-pleasing level of heat—without over-powering. Remember, the simple syrup should taste spicy on its own. Because, it will get diluted in a drink. If you're worried about spice, start with 2 peppers. But, be prepared to add more at the end, because the jalapeno might be undetectable. If you can't find jalapenos, use serrano peppers. But, use half the amount of serrano peppers because they're spicier.
- Sugar: We recommend granulated sugar for the clearest, lightest simple syrup. You can use cane sugar instead, if you don't mind the simple syrup looking a bit darker.
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. Here's how:
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, it's hard to tell until you use it!
In developing this recipe, we tested different quantities and batches of jalapeño peppers. We found that 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, start with 2 peppers.
Once you've infused the simple syrup and let it cool, give it a taste. You want the simple syrup to taste fairly spicy on it's own. Remember, you only add a splash to a cocktail, so the spiciness 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's 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
Here are some of our favorite ways to use this delicious Jalapeño Simple Syrup.
Spicy 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 Margarita Mocktails: Make any of these recipes without alcohol—Mango Margaritas, Pineapple Margaritas, and Strawberry Margaritas.
- Cocktail Glass Rimmer: You can use the spiced 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!
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 of jalapeno syrup instead of honey or maple syrup. The sweetness balances out the acidity in salad dressings.
- Brush on cornbread or other baked goods: Lightly brush over baked goods that benefit from a simple syrup. For example, the mild jalapeno heat pairs especially well with cornbread!
Recipe FAQs
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 (like the 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. Its shelf life depends on factors like: 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!
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📖 Recipe
Jalapeño Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar (see note 1)
- 1 cup water
- 2 to 3 sliced jalapeño peppers (cut ¼-inch (0.6 cm) thick, see note 2)
Instructions
- Heat: Combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 2 to 3 sliced jalapeño peppers in a small saucepan. Stir to combine. Warm over medium-low heat until sugar is dissolved and jalapeños are bright green, about 5 minutes.
- Drain and store: Place a fine-mesh sieve over a wide-mouth jar or container (see note 3). Pour the mixture through the sieve and discard the jalapeños. Cover and refrigerate until cool (see note 4).
Notes
- Sugar: Granulated sugar makes the clearest and lightest simple syrup. You can use cane sugar instead, but the simple syrup will be slightly darker.
- Jalapeño Peppers: We typically use 3 jalapeños. Remember, the simple syrup should be spicy when you taste it on its own, because only a little gets used in each cocktail. So, the result is crowd-pleasing, mildly spicy cocktails. But, if you suspect you have very spicy jalapeno peppers, you could reduce to 2 peppers to start. (See note 4 for adjusting spiciness).
- 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.
- How to adjust spiciness: It's important the syrup tastes spicy on it's own, because it gets diluted in the cocktail. Once the syrup is cool, taste and adjust 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.
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