Jalapeño-infused tequila adds heat, spice and a vegetal note to cocktails. Here’s how to make it, along with variations and suggested serves.
Jalapeño-Infused Tequila – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
Jalapeño-infused tequila lends heat, spice and a verdant note to the agave spirit. The two-ingredient recipe is easy to make and it takes very little time. It’s important to note that as with all infusions, the timing is suggested as people have varying tolerances to heat.
To infuse tequila with jalapeños, slice the jalapeño peppers into thin strips and combine the flesh and seeds with tequila in a glass jar for approximately 15 minutes. We recommend you taste as you go until it reaches the desired heat.
The recipe below is for 250ml of tequila. If you’re using the whole bottle (700ml), simply scale it up by using 2 large or 3 medium sized jalapeños. The result is not overly hot but combines a little burn with the vegetal note. When it comes to the choice of tequila, always use 100% blue weber agave and we recommend you buy the best you can afford.
Jalapeño Infused Tequila Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ large jalapeño OR 1 medium jalapeño, sliced into thin strips
- 250ml blanco tequila
Method
- Cut the top off of the jalapeño peppers then slice into thin strips.
- In a glass jar, combine the sliced jalapeño (flesh, ribs and seeds) with blanco tequila.
- Close the lid and give it a gently swirl.
- Leave to stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Taste every 5 minutes until it has reached the required level of heat.
- Strain through a fine strainer and using a funnel, pour back into the glass jar.
- Store in a glass container with a lid (or you can use the tequila bottle) as you would with any spirit, at room temp in a cabinet. It keeps best for approximately 6 months.
Note: Always exercise caution when handling chillis and avoid touching the eyes or any sensitive areas.
Jalapeño-Infused Tequila Variations
Blanco tequila and the vegetal notes of jalapeños are an ideal match but you can also use an aged tequila such as reposado tequila for a mellower flavour with hints of vanilla and oak. For a slightly charred flavour, roasted jalapeños can be used substituted. Using tongs, roast the jalapeños over a flame, turning it until all sides are blackened. Once it has cooled down, remove the skin and use the roasted flesh and seeds.
Other chillis can be used ranging in heat intensity from the very mild banana peppers and bell peppers, to the mild pimentos and poblanos, red chilli (medium heat), serrano (hot) and habaneros (very hot).
For a smoky, spicy and vegetal note infuse the jalapeños in mezcal.
Suggestions for Use
Jalapeño- Infused Tequila lends a spicy and vegetal note to Agave y Amor cocktail, Spicy Avocado Margarita, Paloma or any of your favourite tequila cocktails.
