This easy recipe makes the Best Jalapeño Simple Syrup. Sweet with just a little heat. Perfect for cocktails, mocktails, even dressings and marinades. 3 ingredients and only 10 minutes to make! (Vegan & Gluten Free)
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).
Video
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.