20-Minute Homemade Jalapeño Infused Vodka
This spicy jalapeño vodka brings heat and complexity to cocktails with a smooth finish from homemade simple syrup. Fresh jalapeño peppers steep in quality vodka for three days, creating a balanced infusion that adds kick to bloody marys, margaritas, or sipped neat. The included simple syrup recipe provides the perfect sweetener to balance the heat. This homemade spirit makes an impressive gift for cocktail enthusiasts and keeps well for months when properly stored.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil
- 2
Stir until sugar has dissolved then remove from heat
- 3
Allow to cool completely then strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass jar discarding any solids
- 4
Put jalapeños and simple syrup in a clean glass jar and pour in vodka
- 5
Seal jar tightly and store in a cool dark place for 3 days shaking occasionally
- 6
Strain vodka through a fine-mesh sieve into a large container and discard peppers
- 7
Strain again through a sieve lined with cheesecloth or coffee filter
- 8
Transfer to glass bottles and seal tightly
Tips
Shake the infusion jar gently every day to help distribute flavors evenly throughout the vodka.
Double-strain through cheesecloth or coffee filter to ensure a crystal-clear final product without any pepper particles.
Taste after 2 days of infusion - if heat level is perfect, strain early to prevent over-infusion.
Good to Know
Store finished vodka in sealed glass bottles in cool dark place for up to 6 months
Simple syrup can be made up to 1 month ahead and refrigerated
Serve in cocktails or neat over ice
Common Mistakes
Strain thoroughly to avoid cloudy appearance from pepper particles
Don't over-infuse beyond 3 days or vodka may become too spicy
Use clean sterile jars to prevent contamination during infusion
Substitutions
adds heat
much hotter
FAQ
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, remove seeds from jalapeños before infusing or reduce steeping time to 1-2 days. Taste daily to monitor heat level.
What if I don't have superfine sugar?
Regular granulated sugar works fine but may take longer to dissolve. Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved before cooling.
How long does the infused vodka keep?
Properly strained and stored in sealed glass bottles, the vodka keeps for 6 months in a cool dark place.