Jalapeño Simple Syrup

In the midst of the summer harvest, I made a discovery: you can make your own simple syrup with peppers. So simple...and so tasty!. My jalapeño simple syrup has that sweet heat, just like my favorite summer foods. Here's how to make it at home with a few minutes of prep time.

I love heat in low doses when the Scoville units are lower and that quick burst of heat. If you're interested in learning about the origin of peppers and how they are used, I've got you!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Step-by-step instructions
• Expert tips
• Jalapeño Whiskey Sour
• Other spicy cocktail ideas
• Storage
• Simple Syrup Basics
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Ingredients

This syrup takes only a few simple ingredients, with a simple syrup ratio of one part sugar and one part water.

• Sugar: This includes brown sugar, demerara sugar, turbinado sugar white sugar, any kind of cane sugar
• Water.
• Fresh Jalapeno Peppers: you could add a mixture of hot peppers serrano peppers, or habanero peppers

Step-by-step instructions

To get started, begin by peeling and seeding the jalapeño peppers.

In a small saucepan bring peppers, water, and sugar over medium heat stir until the sugar dissolves.

Muddle your jalapeño slices in a bowl until well-mashed. et sit for 10-15 minutes before straining out any remaining pulp or seeds with cheesecloth or coffee filters. Let it come to room temperature and store it in a mason jar!

Expert tips

Use this spicy simple syrup to make a Moscow Mule, Margarita, or Gin and Tonic. You can also add it to a Bloody Mary or spicy lemonade or iced tea for something with a little kick of heat.

You can increase the number of peppers for jalapeño peppers

Jalapeño Whiskey Sour

• Make a whiskey sour with jalapeño simple syrup.

1 part bourbon or rye whiskey (or your favorite type of bourbon)

1 part fresh lemon juice

½ to 1 teaspoon jalapeño simple syrup (depending on how spicy you want it)

• Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake well, then strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange slice and mint sprigs if desired.*
• Make a gin and tonic with jalapeño simple syrup.

Other spicy cocktail ideas

• spicy jalapeño gimlet
• jalapeño margarita
• spicy Paloma
• spicy vodka sours

Storage

• Store jalapeño syrup in an airtight container (a glass bottle works!) in the refrigerator. The syrup has a shelf life of 3 months.
• Freezing is not recommended, as it can cause the separation and crystallization of sugar components.

Simple Syrup Basics

Simple syrups are a great way to preserve the sweetness and flavors of summer. They're easy to make, and they're versatile enough that you can use them in many ways—from cocktails to desserts. A standard simple syrup recipe is equal parts water and sugar or honey

Here's how I made my simple syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the water, peppers and sugar to a low simmer. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove your saucepan from heat and let cool completely before using.