Jalapeño Infusion

Bar Prep • infusion
Jalapeño Infusion
Type: infusion Difficulty: easy Yield: Approximately 750 ml (one standard bottle) Shelf life: 180 days Alcoholic: Yes Views: 2

Description

A spicy, bright jalapeño infusion made by steeping sliced fresh jalapeños in a neutral spirit (vodka or tequila blanco) to add clean chili heat and vegetal brightness to cocktails.

History

Chile pepper infusions have long been used in Latin American and modern craft-cocktail traditions to add heat. Jalapeño infusions became widely popular in the 2000s as bartenders added fresh pepper character to margaritas, martinis, and savory cocktails.

Instructions

Step 1.
1) Sanitize a glass jar and utensils with hot water or a quick rinse with boiling water; let cool. 2) Select 2 medium fresh jalapeños per 750 ml bottle (adjust: 1 for mild, 3–4 for hot). Wear gloves if preferred. Rinse peppers and pat dry. 3) Slice peppers into 1/8–1/4" rounds. Leave seeds and membranes for more heat; remove them for milder infusion. 4) Place the sliced peppers in the sanitized jar. Gently bruise a couple of slices with the back of a spoon to release juices. 5) Pour 750 ml of 40% ABV (80 proof) vodka or tequila blanco into the jar, fully submerging the peppers. 6) Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place. Shake gently once or twice daily. 7) Taste after 24 hours. For light heat, stop at 24–48 hours; for medium heat, 48–72 hours; for stronger heat, up to 5–7 days. Avoid infusing longer than 7–10 days to prevent excessive vegetal/bitter flavors. 8) When desired heat is reached, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container, then filter through a coffee filter or cheesecloth for clarity. Discard solids. 9) Transfer the infused spirit to a sanitized bottle, label with date and heat level, and store appropriately. 10) Taste before each use and adjust in cocktails as needed.

Storage

Store sealed in a cool, dark place. After straining, keep in an airtight bottle; refrigeration optional but not required if base spirit is 40% ABV or higher. Discard if off-odors, cloudiness, or unexpected fermentation appears.

Quick Info

Views: 2
Created: 2026-01-13 04:07:51
Updated: 2026-01-14 15:18:23