Jalapeño Orange Spritzer co*cktail Recipe | We are not Martha (2024)

This Jalapeño Orange Spritzer is a perfectly refreshing co*cktail 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 co*cktails 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 co*cktail 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 co*ckTAIL 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 co*cktail, 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 co*cktails. 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 co*cktail Friday, Saturday, and Sunday poolside.

This was one of my favorite co*cktail 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? co*cktails involved?

If you're looking for more co*cktails 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!

📖 Recipe

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