Looking to spice up your drinks, or looking for a pepper-flavored syrup? You are right in the place. Here, learn how to make easy jalapeno simple syrup to make your cocktails, and margaritas flavorsome with a spice kick-effortlessly and quickly.
Make this syrup, whether it is mild, hot, or medium, in less than 15 minutes. Made with jalapeno peppers.

About this recipe
This spicy simple syrup is a quick step to give a facelift to your drink, giving a sweet hint of spice kick to drinks, including the simple lemonade. The recipe is such a simple one that you have never thought of.
Furthermore, it tastes sweet and hot with bright jalapeno flavors but is still mild and comforting. This would steal the show when served at a party.
Once you try this customized spicy syrup, you will never return to buying the readymade ones.
Ingredients
Jalapeno peppers. Jalapeno is available around the year in the stores. However, you may use frozen, roasted jalapeno if you have. But I would suggest not using the pickled jalapeno as it gives a distinct bold pickle flavor.
Sugar. Use, cane, raw sugar, light, dark brown sugar for a hot spicy version. White, granulated sugar for a mild version.
The idea behind using different sugars is to match the flavors of jalapeno. The flavors and the taste are wholesome when you make a spicy version, cane, or raw sugar. When making it mild, use granulated sugar because of its neutral flavor and taste. It will not contradict jalapeno flavors.
Water. The water and the sugar are in equal proportion, say 1:1.
How to make Jalapeno simple syrup?
Prepping. Cut the jalapeno into half. Deseed them for mild heat; leave the seeds on for hot syrup. Alternatively, leave the seeds on for the couple for the medium spice.
I cored and deseeded 3 halves and left one with seeds on. The syrup was mild to medium for me.
Stir. Over medium heat, place a saucepan. Add water and sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves. Stirring until the sugar is dissolved is a must because the sugar may get burned and turn the syrup's color and taste.
Cook. Add jalapeno and reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. 10 minutes of low-heat cooking is good for the simple syrup.
Cool. Remove it from the heat and allow it to boil to room temperature.
Strain. Place a strainer over another bowl, and pour the syrup. Save the jalapeno for other recipes(a few ideas are below).
Transfer. Transfer to a bottle with a narrow mouth. And refrigerate.
How to adjust the spice level?
I know everyone's view of the spice level is different. Some may find it super hot, whereas others see it as mild. And it varies in every household.
The jalapeno seeds are the deciding factor of the heat in the syrup. And the jalapeno skin is responsible for its rich flavor. So, if you are concerned about the heat,
Before making. Deseed the jalapeno completely while adding to the syrup for the mild heat and vice versa.
After making. If you find the syrup is too hot to handle, no worries; make another batch of simple syrup, this time without jalapeno. Then combine them for less heat.
Wear gloves. If you are a beginner, use kitchen gloves while cutting and deseeds. And some may be sensitive to the heat it brings on.
Serving ideas
Cocktails. This jalapeno simple syrup will be an exciting add-on if you want a remarkable transformation to your regular drinks like a nonalcoholic mojito.
Party. Simply stir this and spice up your cocktails or mocktails. It is the best way to entertain the guests at a party with their fiery cocktails.
Pancakes. Drizzle over the pancakes, and give a jalapeno twist to your weekend breakfast. I served with the coffee pancake today; the combo was delicious.
Fruit Salad. Toss the tropical fruits and make the fruit salad deliciously unique.
Tea. It's a great addition to making flavored tea. But proceed with caution. Use a little for tea, as the flavor of a jalapeno may be overwhelming.
Toppings. The saved candied jalapeno slices can be served as a topping or garnishing drink.
Salads. Chop the sweet candied jalapeno and toss it to the salad. It merges well with any salad and provides a sweet and spicy kick.
How to store
Always choose a bottle to store this hot pepper syrup, as it is convenient to pour or drizzle. It also indirectly increases the shelf life.
Once the syrup reaches the room temperature, store it in the refrigerator. It stays good for a month.
On a side note, always label the simple jalapeno syrup to avoid misusage.
Variations
Make your custom-flavored simple syrup by infusing it with other ingredients that complement the flavor of jalapeno simple syrup.
Strawberry. Add ½ medium-sized strawberries when adding two jalapenos, as the jalapeno's original flavor can overtake the strawberry's strong flavor.
Blueberry. It is also a good addition, giving the syrup a beautiful color.
Lemon zest. It also gels well with the jalapeno but is useless in quantity as the main focus is to make chili pepper syrup.
Other types of pepper. You may use the same recipe to try out with your favorite peppers.
Other similar jalapeno recipe
FAQ
I would not suggest using the confectioner's sugar for this recipe, as it has corn starch. As a result, we will make an unwanted jalapeno simple syrup.
Cane sugar, raw sugar, brown sugar, and even granulated white sugar work fabulously in this recipe.
If you are thinking of making it with natural sugar like honey, you need to boil it as boiling may kill some goodness of love.
For this, cook jalapeno accordingly as per this recipe but just with water alone. Allow it to cool, then combine jalapeno-infused water with honey and store.
It does, like any other food, if not stored properly. It stays with rich flavors for two days when kept at room temperature and refrigerated for a month. Later, it slowly loses its taste and becomes stale.
Printable recipe card
Jalapeno simple syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 jalapeno cored and deseeded
Instructions
- Over medium heat, place a saucepan. Add in water, and sugar.
- Bring it to boil and stir until sugar dissolves. This would normally take 2-4 minutes depends on the type of sugar we use.
- Slit jalapeno, remove the seeds and the pith according to the heat you prefer.
- Add it to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Leave it in the kitchen counter and bring it down to room temperature.
- Place a bottle and a strainer over it. Pour the sugar syrup and strain. Reserve the jalapeno for garnishing or for other recipes.
- Store the jalapeno simple syrup in the refrigerator for a month.
Notes
- Wear gloves as handling jalapeno may bring a burning sensation to the hands of someone.
- You may also add jalapenos as a whole for the mild flavor and mild heat.
- Always choose a bottle to store this hot pepper syrup, as it is convenient to pour or drizzle. It also indirectly increases the shelf life.
- Once the syrup reaches the room temperature, store it in the refrigerator. It stays good for a month.
Nicolette
This sounds amazing and seems so simple! I think a strawberry version would be delicious! I must try this in a margarita!
Beth
This is a great idea! I can't wait to use this!
Suzy
My world is blown away with this simple syrup! Never knew you could make it with jalapenos! Just perfect!
Patty at Spoonabilities
What a great way to heat up a cocktail! I never thought of making a jalapeno simple syrup. Definitely going to give it a try!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
Now this is a syrup I am definitely going to have to make! I love the flavour of jalapenos so a syrup to spice things up sounds great!
kushigalu
Never tried jalapeno syrup before. SOunds very interesting.
Janie | Naughty Kitchen
I love anything made with jalapenos! I'm making this syrup to pour on my cocktails to give it a spicy kick!
justin
This was great in our mojitos tonight! Will make again.
Sharon
So yum! We made this and have been adding it to our margaritas - the spice is perfect with the fresh lime juice. Thanks!
Michelle
SO easy and delicious! Adding this to margaritas all summer