Simple syrup is a thin liquid syrup made usually from a 1:1 ratio of water and granulated sugar. It was invented to solve a problem that I’m sure we’re all familiar with — that regular sugar doesn’t dissolve in cold liquids! But by combining a mixture of water and sugar and bringing it to a boil, the yield is a syrup that easily integrates into both hot and cold liquids. This makes simple syrup perfect for lots of beverages including iced teas, coffee, cocktails, and mocktails! But since I avoid refined sugar, I have taken to making my own Paleo and refined sugar-free syrups. This Jalapeño Simple Syrup was created specifically for my spicy margaritas and non-alcoholic margaritas, or “mockaritas.” (New recipe coming soon!)
Simple syrup drinks
Simple syrup can have lots of uses! It can replace sugar in your iced coffee or tea and acts beautifully to sweeten lemonade, a mocktail, or cocktail. The important thing for me is to replace the traditional granulated (refined) sugar with an unrefined sugar source. I love to use a light-colored, raw, high-quality honey in place of sugar. My favorite is this one. It works so well! In fact, all three of my simple syrup variations use honey as their unrefined sweetener (recipes below!)
How to store simple syrup
Simple syrup has a pretty good shelf life, but it must be stored properly. Once you’ve made it, store it in a clean glass mason jar or container with an airtight lid. Flavored syrups like this one can last about two weeks in the fridge.
Does simple syrup need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you definitely need to store simple syrup in the fridge. Leaving it out on the countertop can breed bacteria, so even though it might not seem like an item that needs refrigeration, it does.
How long does simple syrup last
As I mentioned, flavored syrup will last about two weeks in the fridge, but unflavored syrup, like my honey version, will last up to a month.
Syrup for mocktails
I have a few variations of simple syrup that I love to use in cocktails and mocktails. The honey simple syrup is my version of the classic. I use it in my Paleo Mules. The vanilla honey simple syrup kicks things up a little and I use it for my Vanilla Pineapple Margaritas! And this Jalapeño Simple Syrup I have been using to make virgin margaritas on repeat this summer. That recipe is coming very soon, but my regular tequila-based margarita recipe is here.
Honey Simple Syrup
Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe
Uses for simple syrup
Beyond drinks, you can try drizzling simple syrup over cakes or muffins or over fruit salad!
Shop the Recipe
PrintJalapeño Simple Syrup
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stove
Ingredients
- 8 ounces water
- 8 ounces light colored, raw honey
- 2–3 jalapeño peppers (adjust quantity based on desired spiciness)
- zest of 1 lime
Instructions
- Remove the stems and slice the jalapeños lengthwise. You can also remove the seeds for a milder syrup or leave them in for extra heat.
- In a saucepan, combine the water and honey. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey has completely dissolved.
- Add the sliced jalapeños and lime zest to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- After 10 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, strain the syrup to remove the jalapeño slices and any seeds or pulp. You can use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth for this.
- Transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
Be very careful NOT to touch your eyes before thoroughly washing your hands (a few times!)
7/26/23
Jalapeño Simple Syrup
I made this today to enjoy a mocktail with my husband. This is delicious! The jalapenos add a nice heat in the background but it’s not too spicy.
Thank you Danielle!
★★★★★