It seems like spritz are continuing to be the drink of the summer again this year, so naturally we needed to add our twist on it. Spicy and sweet, jalapeño pepper syrup is the easiest (and most delicious) way to spice up all your summer cocktails. Once we added it to our Aperol Spritz there was no going back.
How to make spicy simple syrup
Making your own homemade simple syrup is so easy and can be adjusted to be as spicy as you like. The ratio to make your own batch is to combine equal parts granulated sugar and hot water, and to stir until the sugar is dissolved. You can do this over a stove top or use a kettle for boiling water as we did.
Then to add some heat, add in a few slices of fresh jalapeño and a tablespoon of Smoke Show Hot Sauce. Here is where you can adjust how spicy you like it. Jalapeños often vary in how spicy they are, so mix well and try your syrup before adding in any more hot sauce or jalapeños.
You'll want to wait until your syrup has been well combined and cooled before adding it to your cocktails. Store in a sealed container and refrigerate for later use.
How to make Aperol Spritz
Probably one of the easier cocktails to make is an Aperol spritz. In a stemmed wine or cocktail glass, fill with ice and combine equal parts Aperol and Prosecco, and a dash of soda water. To make it spicy, add a tablespoon or two of the jalapeño syrup over the ice before adding the rest of the liquids. Garnish with some fresh limes, oranges and sliced jalapeños.
PREP: 5min | TOTAL TIME: 5min | SERVINGS: 1
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1 tbsp Smoke Show Hot Sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 oz. Aperol
- 3 oz. Prosecco
- 1 oz. Soda water
- 1 large jalapeño, sliced
- Lime, for garnish
Steps
- Begin by making the jalapeño simple syrup. Bringing a kettle or pot of water to a boil.
- In a glass jar, combine 1/4 cup of boiling water with sugar and mix well. Add in a few jalapeño slices and Smoke Show hot sauce. Mix and taste for desired spiciness. Cover and refrigerate until cooled.
- In a stemmed wine or cocktail glass, fill with ice. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the jalapeño syrup and combine equal parts Aperol and Prosecco. Add a dash of soda water and garish with fresh limes and sliced jalapeños. Serve and enjoy!
