This Jalapeno Simple Syrup is a great addition to your traditional cocktails. Quick and easy to prep and keeps in the fridge for up to a month or more. The simple syrup is also great for enhancing different food recipes like noodles or rice bowls.

Quite a few cocktails call for a simple syrup mix. Why not kick it up with a little chili for a unique cocktail experience.
Why it's yummy
- This homemade simple syrup is very easy to make and can be adjusted to be as spicy as you like.
- Best way to sweeten and spice up your cocktails - The reason for using spicy simple syrup in the cocktails is very simple, granulated sugar doesn’t work well with cold beverages, most of the sugar doesn’t dissolve and simply sinks to the bottom of the glass. If you're an avid cocktail aficionado then you'll want your drink to be perfect, with perfect ingredients.
- Budget-friendly - To make this simple syrup for cocktails, and all you need is only 3 ingredients: sugar, water, and spicy peppers. Take the water and sugar mixture to a boil until sugar is dissolved, add peppers, simmer and extract the peppers (or leave in for a proper spicy experience!)
And don't forget to try this jalapeno syrup with Spicy Watermelon Basil Margarita!
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Instructions
In a medium pot, add sugar and water over medium heat. Take it to a boil and stir in the pepper slices.
Simmer on lower heat for 10-15 minutes. (Taste test after about 8 minutes, the total simmering time will depend on how strong syrup you are going for).
Remove from heat and strain the jalapeno peppers out.
Let cool before use. Add into cocktails, smoothies, Asian food recipes.
Makes about 1 or 1 ½ cup of ready-made syrup. Plenty for dozen of drinks!
Tips
- Spicy peppers - the most common version is jalapeno simple syrup. But any other similar hot peppers will work such as habanero (extra spicy), serrano, or green/red/yellow chili peppers. Seeded or with seeds? This will depend on how spicy syrup you want to achieve. I would start without seeds if it is your first time.
- Simmering time: You can simmer for shorter or longer amounts of time for your desired spice/heat level. If not sure, simply follow this recipe instructions to get properly balanced sweet and spicy flavored simple syrup.
- Peppers - If you want your syrup extra hot, don’t remove the seeds from peppers before cooking. However you’ll need to strain the peppers out before serving.
- Sugar - for a classical ‘’gomme’’ syrup use granulated white sugar but if you want more in-depth flavor try light or brown muscovado sugar instead. It will also add a little darker hue to your drinks. You gonna love this!
- Cutting the peppers - Don't make my mistakes and always use gloves when handling the peppers, and wash your hands after use.
- When making drinks with hot peppers, it's important to remember that less is more. You don't want your drink to be too spicy to enjoy. You can always add extra fresh spicy pepper or chili flakes directly to the drink if needed. Another thing to mention is that every syrup you make will vary depending on the peppers used. Some are spicier, riper and etc.
- Don’t throw away the peppers - Make delicious pancakes, waffles or cornbread with folded jalapenos or peppers! Too extreme? Flavorful dishes such as Noodles, Curries, Stews and many Indian and Asian dishes.
- The thickness of the syrup - simple syrup ratio is usually 1:1 but for a thicker version make it 2:1 by doubling up the sugar. You'll need to taste test the cocktail as you go. I don’t recommend this option as I believe the 1:1 is a perfect ratio for cocktails + as the syrup will be not very ‘’pourable’’ and too thick for mixing in drinks.
Storing instructions
Place the cooled spicy simple syrup in a sealed glass bottle, mason jar, or airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to a month. I haven’t frozen the syrup yet, so If you do try this method, please let me know how it went.
FAQ
Sure you can. It is available in the alcoholic beverage aisles, baking aisle/sections, online stores. But of course, as I always like to point out, homemade is better and healthier without any additives and extras. Additionally, you can control the sweetness amount and customize it with whatever you like, peppers, herbs and others.
You should refrigerate it and if made properly (following the ratio, cooled before refrigerating and stored in airtight container, preferably glass) will keep fresh for up to a month.
I hope you'll enjoy this jalapeno simple syrup recipe and if you make it, please let me know down below in the comments or by tagging @theyummy_bowl under your picture on Instagram.
Thank you for reading,
Love,
Julia
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Easy Cocktail Recipes
- Strawberry Iced Tea With Mint
- Skinny Watermelon Margarita
- Strawberry Agua Fresca
- Spicy Watermelon Basil Margarita
Recipe
Jalapeno Simple Syrup
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar (muscovado)
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 green chili pepper or larger green jalapeno (sliced, seeds extracted or left in)
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a medium pot, add sugar and water over medium heat. Take it to a boil and stir in the pepper slices. Simmer on lower heat for 10-15 minutes. (Taste test after about 8 minutes, the total simmering time will depend on how strong syrup you are going for).
- Remove from heat and strain the peppers out.
- Let cool before use. Add into cocktails, smoothies, Asian recipes.
NOTES
PRIVATE NOTES
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Julia
Simple and easy syrup to make for any cocktail!