Feel the Burn: Get Zesty with Jalapeño-Infused Tequila
Bar Recipes Jalapeño-Infused Tequila

Feel the Burn: Get Zesty with Jalapeño-Infused Tequila

Try making your own jalapeño tequila and infuse some new life into your favorite cocktails.

October 4, 2024 at 2:32 AM PST
Bar Recipes Jalapeño-Infused Tequila

Feel the Burn: Get Zesty with Jalapeño-Infused Tequila

Try making your own jalapeño tequila and infuse some new life into your favorite cocktails.

October 4, 2024 at 2:32 AM PST

Jalapeño infusions are a great way to spice up your drink game. Tequila is a spirit of great versatility and depth. Now consider adding an infusion of jalapeño, with a profile that delivers equal amounts of flavor and heat. If you want to take your cocktail slinging to new heights, explore making this infusion yourself and giving it a whirl in some new ways.

We usually enjoy tequila as one of five classes: blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo, and cristalino. The flavors can range from earthy and peppery or sweet and citrusy. These notes, combined with the spiciness of jalapeño can make for an intriguing sip on the rocks or cocktails with just the right amount of kick. The not-too-heavy spice of the jalapeño creates a delicate, yet complex balance against the herbal undertones of the tequila. Try out your infusion in a paloma, tequila sunrise, or the obvious choice, a spicy margarita.

Creating your own infusion is simple, and it only takes a few hours.

Ingredients

  • 1 750 mL bottle of silver tequila (blanco)
  • 2-3 fresh jalapeños

Directions

Halve the jalapeños lengthwise. For extra heat, leave the seeds inside, or remove them for a much milder flavor. Place the prepared jalapeños inside a large glass mason jar, then add the tequila. Seal the jar, and let the mixture rest at room temperature. The time to infuse can be anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. Taste the infusion periodically until you reach the desired balance of heat and flavor. Carefully strain the infusion, ensuring that any pieces of the jalapeño slices and seeds are removed.

Finally, using a funnel, return the strained tequila to its original bottle. It’s as simple as that, and your jalapeño-infused tequila is ready to sip, slug, and shake or stir into a cocktail. Try a few of these ideas to get you started.

Fiery Cocktails

Spicy Margarita with fresh jalapeño and lime on wood background in a rocks glass
toddtaulman

Here are a few fun ways to get the most out of your home-spun spirit. So enjoy, but don’t forget to take the plunge and enjoy the full intensity of your infused tequila either as a shot or on the rocks, with a side of tajin and lime.

Spicy Margarita — The best thing about jalapeño-infused tequila is that it works just as well as the regular sort in any traditional margarita recipes. The pepper flavor combined with fresh lime juice and simple syrup or agave syrup makes for a drink that is deliciously balanced.

Paloma — A jalapeño paloma puts a highly refreshing spin on your infused tequila with grapefruit juice, lime, and soda water for some sparkle. The grapefruit creates a spicy-sweetness that you’ll love.

Heated Tequila Sunrise — Another sweet and spicy cocktail that is easy to make, a tequila sunrise is an old school gem that’s perfect for testing out your infusion. Just pour 1 part tequila over ice along with two part orange juice. Then very slowly add in grenadine (do not stir) until it starts to settle at the bottom and create that fun, fiery “sunrise” effect.



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