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    Home » Drinks » Sour Jalapeño Martini with Parsley

    Apr 19, 2019 · Modified: Apr 26, 2021 by Sues · This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads · View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer · 17 Comments

    Sour Jalapeño Martini with Parsley

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Sour Jalapeño Martini with Parsley brings a little bit of heat, a little bit of sweet, and a little bit of sour and is the ultimate jalapeño vodka martini.

    Head-on closeup view of jalapeño martini with vodka, parsley, lemon, and lime juice on a marble tray with lime wedge and parsley in background and recipe title at top

    (This Jalapeño Martini recipe was originally posted in September 2012, but has been updated with new photos and content in 2021).

    You might be surprised by this, but I am not really a martini girl. Nope. I generally avoid them at all costs. Well, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but for the most part, I strongly dislike ordering them when out to eat or at a bar.

    And it's all because of the martini glass. I'm way too clumsy for martini glasses. And I talk way too animatedly with my hands to be trusted with one. The glasses are always filled too high and, no matter what, I end up spilling martini everywhere. Every time.

    Sometimes when I'm out to eat and I see a delicious-sounding martini on the menu, I get tempted to ask if I can have one, but in a different glass. But I think that's probably a no-no and the bartender would probably spit in my glass or something. 

    The thing is, I love a good martini and there's nothing quite like a restaurant's well-done martini menu.  Plus, I love the look of a martini glass. I just cannot be trusted with them. Sigh.

    And so, I tend to enjoy my martinis at home. Where, if I spill a cocktail everywhere, I only have to deal with the wrath of Chris. And the potential danger of my dog licking it up.

    But at home, I can immediately change my shirt if necessary instead of being out all night in a martini-soaked outfit. Also, I can re-fill my glass without paying a ridiculous price.

    Ingredients for Spicy Martini

    A jalapeño martini with parsley may sound a little bit unique, but trust me, it works. I've made this martini many times over the years and almost always have the jalapeño simple syrup in my fridge.

    I love that it's spicy, but also sour and a little bit sweet. It's the perfect balance. Here are the ingredients you'll need:

    • Parsley
    • Lemon Juice
    • Lime Juice
    • Vodka
    • Jalapeño Simple Syrup
    • Sliced Jalapeño (for garnish)
    • Granulated Sugar (for rimming martini glasses)

    I don't know about you, but I always have all those ingredients in my kitchen, so this Jalapeño Parsley Sour Martini is within just minutes of being mine whenever I crave it.

    How to Make Jalapeño Simple Syrup

    The jalapeño simple syrup actually came along due to my poor planning years ago. I love infusing liquors, especially with spicy peppers. But I hadn't planned ahead for this drink and wanted it immediately.

    No time to seep jalapeños in vodka. So, I decided to make a jalapeño simple syrup instead. Quick and powerful. And sweet and delicious. I have a full step-by-step recipe and video for the syrup here.

    You can either keep the seeds in when you slice the jalapeño (extra spicy!!) or remove them if you want more of the jalapeño flavor without all of the heat.

    Just bring equal parts water and sugar to a boil. Add the jalapeños, turn down the heat, and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, until it thickens a bit.

    Overhead view of simple syrup simmering in saucepan with sliced jalapeño peppers

    Strain the mixture into a heat-proof bowl  or mason jar and pop it in the fridge to let it cool completely.

    If you're really short on time (and need this jalapeño martini in your life immediately!), you can put it in the freezer for a little bit. I always do that because I have zero patience when it comes to cocktail making.

    The jalapeños turn the simple syrup into a beautiful color!

    Head-on view of mason jar filled with jalapeño simple syrup

    How to Make Sour Jalapeño Martini with Parsley

    Now that your jalapeño simple syrup is chilled, you're ready to assemble the cocktail! In a cocktail shaker, add parsley, lemon, and lime. Muddle together.

    Add ice and pour in vodka and about 3 oz. of the jalapeño syrup. I did this all in one big batch (it makes 2 martinis), but my shaker was filled almost to the brim, so feel free to do this in two batches if you prefer.

    Overhead view of cocktail shaker with lemon and lime juice and parsley for jalapeño martini

    Shake, shake, shake and pour into a martini glass with a prepared lime-sugar rim (just rub a lime on the rim and dip glass in a plate of sugar).

    Head-on view of an upside-down martini glass on a plate of sugar to coat rim

    Add in some jalapeño garnish for good measure. You can never have too many! You might want to remove the seeds from these ones. Just in case. I never do because I love the heat!

    Chris loves the heat even more than me and I'm pretty sure I could never make a drink that was too spicy for him. Maybe I'll make that my life's mission

    Head-on view of a jalapeño martini on a marble tray with lime wedge, parsley, and second cocktail in the background

    This jalapeño martini has ALL the elements I love. It's really spicy and really sour! It's also pretty sweet, but in a fabulous way and not a "oh my God, I'm going to wake up with the worst hangover way."

    But don't forget, it's also a parsley martini! Which I know sounds a little bit strange, but the mild bitterness of the parsley actually really brightens the cocktail and balances out the sour and spice from the other ingredients.

    It's not overpowering at all and is more of a mild background flavor.

    Head-on landscape view of two jalapeño martinis with lime wedge and jalapeño garnish on a marble tray with parsley and lime wedges in background

    But let's be honest; the jalapeños are truly the star of this show. They'll give you that tropical feel in the summer and a warm-me-up feel in the winter. Which means this spicy martini is perfect all year round.

    I may have drizzled even put some of that jalapeño simple syrup in plain soda water. Just because.

    Chris said this should be on the menu at a restaurant and I have to say, I would order it if it were. But the waitstaff would definitely have to issue a warning to anyone who ordered.

    This is one spicy martini! But remember, I left all the seeds in my jalapeños... Remove them if you don't want a lot of heat!

    Drink Substitutions

    If you don't have all the ingredients on hand or you don't like specific ingredients in it, there are plenty of substitutions you can make for this cocktail. Here are a few ideas:

    • Use cilantro instead of parsley. People seem to either love or hate cilantro and if you're a cilantro lover, this would be a delicious swap for you! If you simply want a sour jalapeño martini with no other flavors, leave the parsley out altogether!
    • Use any kind of spicy pepper. I'm partial to jalapeños, but serrano or habanero would also work really well here.
    • If you only have lemons or only have limes, you can use all of one citrus. I think the lemon/lime combo makes for the best kind of sour, but the jalapeño martini would still be delicious with just one type!
    • Use salt for the rim instead of sugar. I like how the sugar offsets some of the spice, but salt would add a yummy dimension, too.
    • Serve the drink in a different glass. This tip is for all the people like me... just because this is a martini doesn't mean you have to serve it in a martini glass. You're home... Do whatever you want!
    Head-on closeup view of jalapeño martini with vodka, parsley, lemon, and lime juice on a marble tray with lime wedge and parsley in background

    More Recipes for Spicy Lovers

    If you're like me, you're always looking for your next spicy venture! I love recipes, both drinks and foods, that utilize jalapeños and other spices to add a little kick. Here are some of my favorites:

    • Spicy Vodka Blackberry Smash
    • Spicy Clam Chowder with Corn
    • Jalapeño Cheddar Scones
    • Spicy Sausage Chilaquiles with Eggs
    • Spicy Raspberry Whiskey Sour
    • Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
    • Spicy Roasted Grapefruit Margaritas
    • Spicy Ginger Honey Wings
    • Oven Baked Beet Fries with Spicy Aioli (from Asian Caucasian)
    • Spicy Chicken Ramen (from Went Here 8 This)

    And guess what? I didn't even spill a little bit of my jalapeño martini. I think Murphy's law says something about "If you're in public, you'll spill your martini every time. If you're at home, you never will." Life is weird like that.

    But martinis and Fridays make it better.

    Happy almost weekend! I hope you get to enjoy a cocktail or two and some fun. And a million hours of sleep. Or something like that.

    Do you like spicy cocktails?

    Jalapeño Parsley Sour Martini -- This Jalapeño Parsley Sour Martini brings a little bit of heat, a little bit of sweet, and a little bit of sour and is the ultimate jalapeño vodka martini | wearenotmartha.com

    Sour Jalapeño Martini with Parsley

    This Sour Jalapeño Martini with Parsley brings a little bit of heat, a little bit of sweet, and a little bit of sour and is the ultimate jalapeño vodka martini.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Jalapeño Martinis, Sour Vodka Martinis, Spicy Cocktails
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Simple Syrup Cooling Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Makes: 2 martinis
    Author: Sues

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup granulated sugar, for rimming glasses
    • ¼ cup roughly chopped parsley
    • 4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice, plus more for rimming glasses
    • 4 oz. vodka
    • 3 oz. jalapeño simple syrup
    • ½ jalapeño, sliced for garnish

    Instructions

    • Run lime wedge (or brush lime juice) around rims of martini glasses. Place glasses upside-down on a plate with sugar to coat rims.
    • Add parsley, lemon juice, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Muddle.
    • Add some ice and pour in vodka and jalapeño simple syrup. Shake well.
    • Pour martini into two prepared martini glasses. Garnish with sliced jalapeños.
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!
    Sour Jalapeño Martini with ParsleySour Jalapeño Martini with ParsleySour Jalapeño Martini with Parsley
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Odetta says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:20 pm

      Nothing better than a Friday with a cocktail in hand. I love the spice in this!

    2. Leah | So, How's It Taste? says

      September 14, 2012 at 2:51 pm

      You are so creative! I love that this has parsley and jalapeno. I always shy away from martinis only because I find them way too strong. This one seems doable for me thanks to the simply syrup. May have to make it this weekend! (Totally agree on "grey." I'm a stickler for that, too, lol!)

    3. Shannon says

      September 14, 2012 at 2:59 pm

      how unique!! this sounds fabulous 🙂

    4. Liz says

      September 14, 2012 at 4:50 pm

      Speaking as a former bartender (it paid my rent through grad school!), I can say, no, I would NEVER spit in your glass if you asked for a different glass than the standard one. Do it... Unless the bartender's an a$*hole, the worst reaction you'll get is a chuckle and a knowing glance. We know those things are difficult to deal with!

    5. Gia Grossman says

      September 14, 2012 at 5:50 pm

      It's officially the weekend!!! Gimmie this!

    6. Emily @ A Cambridge Story says

      September 15, 2012 at 8:58 am

      What a great combination of flavors! I'm totally a martini spiller too - I don't think I'll ever learn 🙂 Happy weekend!

    7. peachkins says

      September 15, 2012 at 7:04 pm

      A spicy martini! How interesting!

    8. Biz says

      September 16, 2012 at 10:33 am

      A spicy martini?? I am in!! And hooray for Grey Goose - best vodka out there!

    9. Ashley says

      September 16, 2012 at 3:47 pm

      This martini sounds incredible! I've been longing to try a spicy cocktail, like the habanero margarita I saw on a restaurant's menu recently. And infused simple syrups were something I discovered earlier this year. It's become a staple in my apartment, rotating flavors every 2 weeks or so. I can't wait to try your recipe!

    10. Christina says

      September 17, 2012 at 1:26 pm

      I made a ginger infused simple syrup once. I like the sound of spiciness in a cocktail!

    11. krisi says

      September 17, 2012 at 8:37 pm

      I need this right now!!!

    12. Rachael says

      October 17, 2013 at 1:19 pm

      I made this drink last night and I'm in love. It was the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and heaven. Thank you for sharing!!!!

    13. YrevaB says

      January 12, 2016 at 6:22 pm

      This is offered on a restaurant menu near me, or something very similar. I have been searching for a way to make it at home and here it is. The only alteration I will make is to season the rim with taco seasoning instead, since that's how they do it at Cork&Pig. Thanks!

    14. Karly says

      May 08, 2019 at 11:56 am

      I think this will definitely be a big hit at our next party! Thanks for sharing.

    15. Cindy Venglar says

      December 07, 2019 at 4:53 pm

      I used cilantro instead of parsley. Love love love

    16. Mia says

      April 05, 2020 at 8:04 pm

      5 stars
      I’m drinking this right now, spice it up while quarantined right?! Oh my gosh I’m so impressed, I have never made a sour and couldn’t believe all the citrus but hell yeah this is delicious. it’s all for me 😉
      Thanks for the recipe

    17. Lisa Carrara says

      June 28, 2021 at 7:33 pm

      5 stars
      We found this recipe and drank them all summer (summer of covid). We’ve now shared this recipe with our friends and everyone raves about this. Truly fantastic!

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