This jalapeño simple syrup is made using just 3 ingredients and is the perfect way to spice up any drink!

It comes together so quickly and is my secret ingredient for making delicious, perfectly spicy cocktails and mocktails.

The jalapeños add a wonderful, front-of-mouth heat that tickles your lips and keeps you coming back for more.

What is Jalapeño Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is usually made with equal parts water and sugar.

The mixture is heated to help the sugar dissolve, which yields a sweet syrup that can be used to sweeten and flavor just about anything!

This recipe makes a spicy simple syrup by essentially making a jalapeño infused simple syrup. The jalapeños pack this syrup with a delicious heat that adds the perfect kick to any drink.

How Spicy is This Jalapeño Simple Syrup?

This is the most frequently asked question I get about this recipe! Figuring out how spicy you want your spicy simple syrup to be is challenging. It will also vary based on a person’s preferences.

I want to preface this by saying I am not the type of person who loves spicy food. I get 2 stars when I order Thai food and I rarely add hot sauce to things.

With that in mind, for some reason I love spicy cocktails. I’ve always had a decent tolerance for them, and love that little tickle you get with each sip of a spicy drink.

When I order a spicy margarita, I want it to be just that. Spicy! It needs to have a kick. And let me tell you, this spicy simple syrup delivers.

Before that scares you off, keep in mind that it needs to be very spicy and concentrated because you’re not using much of it in each drink. Most recipes call for 1-1.5 oz. of simple syrup per drink, and it’s going to be diluted with lots of other ingredients.

I think 3 jalapeños adds the perfect amount of heat, but you adjust this up or down a pepper based on your preferences. Keep in mind that the heat of each jalapeño can vary a bit too!

Jalapeño Simple Syrup Ingredients & Substitutions

Like I mentioned above, this recipe is pretty straight forward! However, there are some substitutions and swaps you can make if needed.

• Water – Room temperature tap water works great in this recipe.
• Granulated Sugar – I like using granulated sugar because it’s what I usually have on hand, but you can also use extra fine sugar or caster sugar.
• Fresh Jalapeños – Use fresh jalapeños in this recipe! They’re what give this syrup all its spice. You can use 2 habanero peppers in place of the 3 jalapeños if needed but be prepared for a spicier simple syrup that has a back-of-throat heat if you go this route.

How Do You Make Spicy Simple Syrup for Cocktails?

I love this recipe because it only takes about 15 minutes to make!

Prepare your jalapeños first. Remove the stems and cut into slices.

Add the water into a small saucepan. Heat over a medium-high heat until the water begins to boil.

Add in the granulated sugar and stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Add in the sliced jalapeños and turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.

Pour the mixture into a separate container and cool to room temperature.

Pour the mixture through a sieve to remove the jalapeños if you want a milder simple syrup, or leave them in if you’re looking for a lot of kick. I like to pour my simple syrup into mason jars for easy storage.

Add to any drink or cocktail recipes you give a little kick! I love using this to make spicy margaritas. If you’re making this in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. 

How Can I Use this Jalapeño Simple Syrup?

I’m sure it’s no surprise, but my favorite way to use jalapeño simple syrup is to make spicy cocktails!! It adds the perfect amount of sweetness and heat.

My go-to recipes are spicy gimlets, jalapeño palomas, and pineapple jalapeño margaritas. The sky is really the limit!

Usually, I also brush simple syrup on my cake layers, but I haven’t quite figured out a cake flavor that would work well this one!

How Do You Store Jalapeño Simple Syrup?

Make this recipe in advance or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months!

I usually keep mine in a mason jar but any container with a good lid should work just fine.

Let Me Know What You Think

If you try this jalapeño simple syrup recipe, let me know what you think by sharing a rating below!

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