This Jalapeño Orange Spritzer is a perfectly refreshing cocktail with a nice little kick thanks to the jalapeño infused vodka. But don't worry; the level of spiciness can be easily controlled!
(This recipe for Jalapeño Orange Spritzer Cocktails was originally published in May 2011, but was updated with new photos in 2019).
I did it. I really did it.
You knew if I continued Cocktail Friday, this had to happen eventually. Jalapeño-infused vodka. A huge container of jalapeños at Trader Joe's caught my eye and then it hit me. What could possibly go wrong with jalapeño vodka? Well, it turns out a lot of things if you don't wear rubber gloves when chopping and seeding the jalapeños. But we won't get into that here. Really though, if you're working with jalapeños wear gloves. That's all.
I had a lot of back and forth debate within my head about what kind of drink to make with the jalapeño vodka. I knew orange would be a great accent. But I was also slightly tempted to muddle some strawberries and simply splash in some soda water. In the end, the orange won out because I had a feeling the super spicy vodka would need something to cut it a bit.
And it did.
JALAPEÑO ORANGE SPRITZER COCKTAIL RECIPE
This jalapeño orange spritzer is incredibly easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. You do need to let the jalapeño infuse into the vodka for abut 24 hours for maximum effect, but you can do it for less time if you want less spiciness... Or let it sit for even longer to make it even hotter). Another way you can control the heat is by choosing whether to leave the jalapeño seeds in or out. I like to leave them in (because I like it hot!), but leaving them out will give you more of the jalapeño flavor with less heat. If you're really scared of spice, you might want to soak the sliced peppers in cold water overnight. Actually, if you're really scared of spice, you probably won't be making this drink. But maybe you're feeling a little crazy or something.
When you open the container or vodka in the morning, don't take a big whiff of it. Just trust me. Don't. Unless you really, really need some waking up. Jalapeño vodka... the new coffee?
When you're ready to enjoy your cocktail, fill a shaker with ice, 2 oz. of the jalapeño-infused vodka, and 3 oz. of orange juice. Shake well.
Pour into a glass and top off with club soda. Add a jalapeño slice to the side. Because you're already overdoing it anyway. Repeat for the other 3 cocktails. Or just save that jalapeño infused vodka for a later date.
Taste! Because it might be too spicy for you. I'm telling you, we like it HOT around here. If it's too much to handle, add in more orange juice or club soda. Or add in more plain vodka if you're not into watering your drinks down. I get that. Also, the first sip might make you think it's spicier than it is. My lips burned a little. But then I drank it right down!
I also think it might be nice to make a simple syrup if you'd prefer to sweeten the drink up and tone the spiciness down.
This jalapeño orange spritzer was super spicy, but also really, really flavorful and just plain amazing. I'd probably even sip the jalapeño vodka slowly on the rocks. OK, maybe with a splash of water. I'm not that hardcore.
We took our drinks out to the deck and sat outside for the first time this year. It was delightful!! I can definitely see us spending happy hour out here quite often this summer. The pool opens tomorrow, but I don't think we'll make it out there this weekend. Maybe next! That means Cocktail Friday, Saturday, and Sunday poolside.
This was one of my favorite Cocktail Fridays yet! Minus the fact that Dateline was a re-run tonight. I hate when that happens. My bottom line is that you should make these jalapeño orange spritzers. But if you're making them for company, be sure you warn them that it's spicy before they take a big gulp.
Also, you should probably have some Mexican food with this. Perhaps even my Shrimp Tacos with Strawberry, Avocado, and Mango Salsa.
Now if I could just figure out how to infuse cupcakes into vodka, I'd be all set.
Or make jalapeño cupcakes. With vodka in them. OK, it's Friday night and it's time for me to relax for the next three days 🙂 Happy Memorial Day weekend!
Do you have any big plans for this weekend? Cocktails involved?
If you're looking for more cocktails with a kick, check out my Jalapeño Parsley Sour Martini and my Spicy Grapefruit Margaritas. I also really want to try theses Watermelon Habanero Margaritas from Easy Cooking with Molly!
Jalapeño Orange Spritzer
Ingredients
- 8 oz. vodka
- 1 large jalapeño pepper, sliced (remove seeds if you want less heat) with a few slices reserved for garnish
- 12 oz. orange juice
- 4 oz. soda water
Instructions
- Slice jalapeño pepper. If you want a lot of heat in your drink, keep the seeds in. If you want the jalapeño flavor without too much spice, remove the seeds.
- Pour vodka into a jar or container and add in jalapeño slices. Let sit for one day. The longer you let the jalapeños infuse in the vodka, the stronger the spice level will be.
- Fill a shaker with ice, 2 oz. of the jalapeño-infused vodka, and 3 oz. of orange juice. Shake well.
- Pour into a glass and top off with club soda. Add a jalapeño slice to the side. Repeat for remaining cocktails.
Lora says
I love the idea of jalapeño vodka. Even though they are 26 euro a kilo here, this is a must try. The cocktail looks amazing!
Maris says
It looks really good but I will add to the warning from my own experience with jalapenos-Don't rub your eyes especially when wearing contacts! Have a nice week-end!
Simply Life says
wow! this is so creative! wish I had that last night! 🙂
Nisrine M says
I'm not used to jalapeno in drinks but I'm loving the idea. Happy long weekend!
Michelle says
If you go to Triple 8 Distillery in Nantucket, ask for their habanero and pineapple infused vodka. SO good!
Erica says
How fun is this? Josh is obsessed with jalapenos. I could totally use some from our garden. The pictures of you two outside are so cute 🙂 ENJOY the weekend. I am spending most of today with my Mom, tomorrow, walking the bridge in Charleston and Monday??
Shannon says
Love jalapeno infused vodka... my dad has made it a few times. So great in bloody marys too!
Jaime says
pass me one of those! 🙂
Meighan @ Cooking With Abandon says
Ha! I was just telling the SO how lame we were to watch Dateline on a Friday night. 🙂 We are not alone!
Joanne says
Will I EVER learn to wear gloves when using jalapenos? Doubtful. But I will learn to make these cocktails. Delicious!
Mary says
Those look so refreshing and judging from those happy faces they must be delicious as well. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
To Kiss the Cook says
#1 You are just the cutest. Seriously loving the pics.
#2 I will be doing this. Hope it sets my mouth aflame in a tasty way.
emily says
Sues! I did the exact same thing making homemade salsa last weekend. I got the nasty oil on my hands, then touched my face and my eyes..let's just say I won't be making homemade salsa for a while now. 🙁
That said, this cocktail looks amazing! Hope you enjoy the long weekend; I"m spending it with family and friends. 🙂
Bee says
Eeee I am loving all your cocktails 🙂 Jalapeno infused vodka... who knew!
emily @ the happy home says
oh, my GOSH. david is going to want one now! but i don't have any vodka in the house! this is a definite problem! 😉
Barbara says
Wow. I'm making this ASAP!
Kelly says
I am such a wimp, I could never handle this. But everyone in my life loves spicy stuff, this is so cool!
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
I am a huge fan of jalapenos! I love anything spicy. Not a big fan of cocktails, but I'll absolutely drink this one!
Emily @ A Cambridge Story says
wow, i'd love to try this -- but maybe would stick to a baby batch the first time around. I made a cucumber infused gin this weekend!
Daisy says
looks like a perfect start to the weekend! you guys looks so relaxed and cute sipping them on the deck. I made it to my roofdeck for the first time this year on friday, but was less creative and just drank Peroni's. next time, making these for sure!!
brandi says
Okay, if I seriously get to come to Boston this summer, I'd like a cocktail on the porch 🙂
This sounds like such a fun recipe. Nick loves spicy things, so I think he'd love it.
Bridget says
I must send this link to my best friend, she LOVES spicy!! I am getting there....I bet I'd like the "medium" version of this drink 😉 Looks delicious though.
Bakerbynature says
I just had a vision; it involved vodka and jalapenos. I'm thinking this could rock out some mighty fine bloody mary's as well...
Susan says
This looks like an amazing drink. I've been really getting into jalapenos lately in my meals, but in a drink? That's another level.
Jackie s says
Will definitely try this . I make jalenpeno infused vodka by the 1/2 gallon to make pinapple pepper martinis