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Jalapeño Simple Syrup

Filed Under: cocktails and mocktails, quick and easy, recipe, sweet treats Written By Leanne August 15, 2021

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Jalapeño simple syrup is one staple I always have in the fridge. A small amount adds the perfect amount of flavor and subtle sweetness to cocktails and mocktails, iced coffees and even fruit. 

saucepan with jalapeño slices and syrup

Finally! A full write-up dedicated to simple syrup, which it most certainly deserves. If you know me, you know that I ALWAYS have a jar or two of simple syrup in my refrigerator.

It’s my favorite way to make a homemade cocktail shine or give my afternoon iced coffee a little more pizazz when I’m having a rough day.

Homemade simple syrup is also a great way to use up herbs that are past prime (looking at you basil, mint and rosemary).

Jalapeño simple syrup specifically adds such a fabulous flavor note. It’s just a hint spicy with very subtle sweetness, and it dissolves in drinks seamlessly.

Here’s what you need to make it!

Ingredients

  • sugar
  • water
  • jalapeño

Yep, that’s it. Can it get any easier? You can buy simple syrup in a bottle at the store or you can make it at home in 10 minutes. Plus you’ll be able to customize the flavor profile!

How to Make Jalapeño Simple Syrup

Making simple syrup from scratch is as “simple” (lol) as heating sugar and water in a saucepan until the sugar is dissolved. Then you just add the jalapeño slices (or ingredient of choice) and let stand until cool.

Some people like leaving the jalapeños right in the jar and they become candied. This is perfectly acceptable! I prefer to strain them out so my syrup is completely pure and I don’t have to worry about a stray seed in my drinks later.

To do so, use a fine mesh strainer over a jar.

Once completely cooled, you can store the simple syrup in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. I love that it lasts for so long because it’s easy to just use a splash here and there when the mood strikes.

This recipe also doesn’t make a boat load, so you should have no problem using it up in that time frame. Especially if you’re shaking up cocktails for dinner guests at some point.

Ideas for Using Jalapeño Simple Syrup:

  • Pineapple Cilantro Margaritas
  • Palomas
  • Iced Coffee (I use Califia Farms cold brew + half and half + about a teaspoon of the syrup)
  • Gift it! I tie a bow around the rim and pair it with some flowers and a card. It’s such a fun and unique item to receive.
  • ingredients for jalapeño simple syrup
  • jalapeño on a wooden cutting board with jar

How to Store Simple Syrup

Once cooled, store the syrup in an airtight container (I like the eight-ounce mason jars best) in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. Trust me, you’ll have no problem using it all in that amount of time!


I would love to hear about the most interesting simple syrups you’ve either made or tried in a cocktail so leave me a comment and let me know. It’s such a fun way to jazz up your drinks with a relatively minimal amount of effort.

You might also like:

  • Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup
  • Fresh Watermelon Mint Fizz (uses mint simple syrup!)
  • Mojito Mocktail
Print

Jalapeño Simple Syrup

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

Jalapeño simple syrup is one staple I always have in the fridge. A small amount adds the perfect amount of flavor and subtle sweetness to cocktails and mocktails, iced coffees and even fruit. 

  • Author: Leanne Ray, MS, RDN
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 ounces 1x
  • Category: Sweets
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Add sugar and water to a small saucepan. Heat until sugar is completely dissolved, stirring often (over medium heat). 
  2. Remove from heat and add the jalapeño slices. Let stand until cool, at least 30 minutes.
  3. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a jar.

Equipment

small jars

Buy Now →

Notes

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to one month. 
  • Flavor variations (replace the jalapeños with listed ingredient):
    • mint: 3-4 sprigs of fresh mint
    • rosemary: 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
    • vanilla: 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
    • ginger: 1″ knob of fresh ginger, sliced
    • grapefruit: the peel of one grapefruit (no white pith)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Tbsp
  • Calories: 32 calories
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 8 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Protein: 0 grams

Keywords: cocktails, mocktails, mixed drinks

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sue says

    November 10, 2021 at 2:21 am

    I looove making this spicy simple syrup for margaritas! I keep going back to the jalapeno version but need to try some of your other herb ideas. Thinking I’ll have leftover rosemary after Thanksgiving…gonna try it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      November 10, 2021 at 2:53 pm

      Spicy margs are the BEST! Rosemary syrup works great in palomas, one of my favorites. Keep me posted with your cocktail endeavors! And thanks for the comment and star rating.

      Reply

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