Jalapeno Simple Syrup

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Spice up your favorite cocktails with this sweet and spicy jalapeno simple syrup! Make a drink with a kick or even add this to a cold glass of water. This jalapeño syrup recipe is the perfect way to add heat to a variety of recipes. The best part? You only need 3 ingredients and 15 minutes to make it!

This jalapeno simple syrup is a unique blend of sweet and spicy that will add an exciting twist to your favorite beverages and desserts. Plus, it’s so versatile and making it at home is super easy. Even if you don’t love spicy flavors or just prefer other peppers, you can use this recipe as a base to create so many different simple syrup flavors.

Jalapeño simple syrup is the perfect addition to your favorite cold beverages like iced tea or soda water, or to add a little extra heat to cocktails like a spicy margarita or to whisky sours.

The beauty of this spicy simple syrup lies in its versatility. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory. It’s perfect for adding a spicy kick to your morning coffee or mixing it into your favorite cocktail for an unexpected twist. It’s perfect if you love spicy cocktails or spicy food!

Plus, it’s a delicious way to add some spicy jalapeño flavor to other sweet and savory dishes like over these vegan potato pancakes, these mini pancakes, these sweet corn tamale cakes, or even use it as a topping for ice cream! This simple syrup recipe is truly a great way to use up those extra jalapenos from your garden or farmer’s market haul.

👩🏽‍🍳 Why You’ll Love Jalapeno Syrup

• Plant-Based: This jalapeno simple syrup is made with all plant-based ingredients, making it a perfect addition to vegan and vegetarian diets. No animal products are used, and it is packed with the flavorful punch of fresh jalapenos!
• Quick And Easy: It’s so easy to make your own simple syrup at home! With just three simple ingredients and a total time of only fifteen minutes, this recipe is a breeze to whip up. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, you’ll appreciate the ease and speed of this recipe.
• Gluten-Free: This syrup is completely gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. You can enjoy the sweet and spicy kick it adds to your drinks without any worries.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses only water, granulated sugar, and jalapenos – ingredients that are easy to find and may already be in your kitchen. It is simplicity at its best!
• Versatile: The versatility of this jalapeno simple syrup is another reason to love it. Use it to spice up your cocktails, add a kick to a cold glass of water, or even drizzle it over desserts for a unique twist.

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🥘 Ingredients

This jalapeno simple syrup recipe is as easy as it gets. The ingredients are simple to source and may already be in your kitchen! Just a quick trip to your local grocery store and you’re all set.

• Jalapenos Peppers: Fresh jalapeños provide the heat in this jalapeno infused simple syrup, and when paired with sugar, it’s more like a sweet heat! You can adjust the level of spiciness, see the tips on the recipe card below.
• Water: Water is a key ingredient in making our simple syrup. It helps to dissolve the sugar and extract the spicy flavor from the jalapenos. You’ll use equal parts water and sugar.
• Granulated Sugar: White sugar gives our syrup its sweet flavor, balancing out the heat from the jalapenos. It’s also what gives the syrup its syrupy consistency. You’ll need 1 cup of sugar, which you’ll pair with the 1:1 ratio of water.

🍲 Ingredient Substitutions

• Jalapenos: If you’re not a fan of fresh jalapeño peppers or can’t find them, you can substitute them with other chili peppers like serrano or habanero. Remember, the heat level can vary with different peppers, so adjust according to your taste.
• Granulated Sugar: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use coconut sugar or agave nectar. Other great options include brown sugar, turbinado sugar, demerara sugar, or your favorite liquid sweetener. Keep in mind that these sweeteners may slightly alter the flavor of this easy spiced syrup.

🔪 How To Make Jalapeno Simple Syrup

You only need 3 ingredients and a handful of steps for this spicy simple syrup recipe! For a more detailed guide and nutritional information, check out the recipe card at the end of this post.

Prepare The Jalapenos: Start by slicing the jalapenos and setting them aside.

Boil Ingredients: In a medium pot, combine the water, sugar, and sliced jalapeños. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about ten minutes until the sugar dissolves.

Strain The Syrup: Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer and into a sterilized glass bottle or mason jar. This will separate the jalapeno slices from the jalapeno juice syrup.

Store: Store this infused simple syrup in the fridge for up to a month. Use this spicy simple syrup for cocktails, mocktails, other drinks, and even savory or sweet dishes to add a little bit of heat!

💭 Expert Tips

• Adjust The Syrup Thickness: If you prefer a thicker homemade syrup, bring the mixture to a boil and allow some of the water to evaporate. You can also change the water to sugar ratio, and instead of using 1 part water to 1 part sugar, you can use 1 part water to 2 parts sugar.
• Test The Syrup’s Readiness: To determine if this spicy syrup recipe is done, place some syrup in a spoon and let it drip away in the saucepan. If the syrup flows away easily, it is still watery and needs more time. Keep boiling the mixture until the flow slows down and separates into drops. 
• Prevent Sugar Crystals: To remove sugar crystals if they form, add a little acid (like a touch of lemon juice) or corn syrup to the sugar-water mixture before cooking. This will help to keep your syrup smooth and crystal-free.
• Infuse For More Heat: For a spicier syrup, keep some sliced jalapeño in the jar. The jalapenos will continue to infuse into the syrup as it is stored, adding an extra kick perfect for all the spice lovers out there!
• Control The Spice Level: If you prefer a milder syrup, remove the peppers altogether before storing it. This will help make sure that the syrup maintains a sweet heat without becoming too intense.

📖 Variations

There are lots of ways to mix up this easy jalapeño syrup recipe! Here are some of our favorite variations:

• Serrano Simple Syrup: If you’re a fan of heat, swap out the jalapenos for serrano peppers in this homemade simple syrup recipe. Serrano peppers are up to five times hotter than jalapenos, making this variation perfect for those who love a spicy kick to their drinks. For an even spicier syrup, try habanero peppers which are ten times hotter than serranos!
• Jalapeno Infused Maple Syrup: Instead of using granulated sugar, try using an equal amount of maple syrup. This creates a unique jalapeno maple syrup recipe that has a sweet yet spicy flavor, perfect for adding a twist to your cocktails or pancakes.
• Cilantro Syrup: For a tangy citrus flavor, replace the jalapenos with three fresh stalks of cilantro. Follow the same instructions as the original recipe, and enjoy this cilantro syrup with your favorite drinks.
• Jalapeno Lime Simple Syrup: Add a little lime juice to this spicy sweet syrup to add an additional layer of flavor!
• Black Pepper Syrup: For a different kind of spice, replace the jalapeno peppers with three to four tablespoons of peppercorns. Toast the peppercorns on the stove in a hot, dry saucepan over medium-high heat for about ten minutes, or until fragrant. Follow the rest of the recipe as written, and enjoy this peppercorn simple syrup in your favorite drinks or dishes.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This spicy simple syrup recipe is a versatile addition to your collection, adding a sweet and spicy kick to a variety of dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it:

• Drinks: The jalapeno simple syrup is perfect for adding a fun twist to your beverages. Try it in a refreshing glass of lemonade, a jalapeno margarita, an Italian margarita, or any other of your favorite non-alcohol drinks or cocktail recipes! You can even make jalapeno infused water by adding this into your water for a fun way to spice up your hydration routine. It is a great way to refresh and cool down on a hot day.
• Desserts: Drizzle this spicy syrup over a bowl of fresh fruit for a sweet and spicy dessert, or use it to sweeten a chocolate orange cake. It also pairs well with plant-based ice cream!
• Breakfast: Give your morning meal a spicy boost by adding this syrup to your spicy oatmeal or vegan potato pancakes. It is a great way to start the day with a little heat.
• Salads: Toss this syrup into your favorite salad for a unique dressing. It works well with a variety of salads, from an apple walnut salad to a Mexican fruit salad.
• Mains: Use this syrup as a glaze for tofu or crispy air fryer tempeh, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for a sweet and spicy main dish with the perfect amount of heat. 
• Appetizers: Spice up your appetizers by incorporating this rich simple syrup with a little kick of heat. It is great for dipping vegan egg rolls or drizzling over loaded veggie nachos.
• With Dipping Sauces: While this jalapeno sugar syrup is delicious on its own, it also pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces. Try mixing it in aquafaba aioli for a spicier version, or combine it with vegan BBQ sauce for a sweet and spicy twist. Enjoy!

🙌 Dietary Adaptations

This jalapeno simple syrup recipe is already naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it a great addition to any dietary plan! The main ingredients are jalapenos, water, and granulated sugar, all of which are plant-based and free from gluten and dairy.

Low-Sugar Option: If you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake, you can substitute the granulated sugar with a low-glycemic sweetener like agave syrup or stevia. Just keep in mind that these sweeteners are often sweeter than regular sugar, so you’ll want to adjust the amount used to taste.

🫙 Storage Directions

It’s really easy to store homemade simple syrup! Here’s how you do it:

• To Refrigerate: Once your jalapeno simple syrup has cooled, pour it into an airtight container or glass jar. If you prefer a spicier kick, keep some sliced jalapenos in the jar. This syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. 
• To Freeze: Unfortunately, due to the high sugar content, freezing this jalapeno simple syrup is not recommended. The syrup may not freeze properly and the texture could change upon thawing, affecting the quality and taste.

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🫙 More Syrup and Jalapeno Recipes!

• Blackberry Simple Syrup
• Strawberry Simple Syrup
• Peach Simple Syrup
• Passion Fruit Syrup Recipe
• Spicy Jalapeno Popcorn
• Vegan Jalapeno Poppers
• Jalapeno Artichoke Dip
• Pineapple Pico De Gallo

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