3 Spicy Cocktail Recipes that Bring the Heat

Heat is an essential ingredient. There’s nothing more satisfying than a subtle (or not so subtle — as you like it) edge in your summer drink. Bar ready, spicy cocktail recipes can be hard to come by for the at-home mixologist, but we’ve got you covered.

Here are 3 spicy cocktail recipes that will bring the heat to the party (and elevate your recipe collection).

1. SUMMER HEAT COCKTAIL

Fresh and fierce, this cocktail brings the summer heat while relying on a refreshing base. Basil and cucumber ground the spicy jalapeño edge and keep the cocktail from going too wild. (Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of kick!)

Jalapeno Basil, Gin and Tonic

Ingredients:

• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• 2 sprigs fresh basil
• ½ small cucumber, sliced
• 2 oz Gin
• Tonic

How To Make:

1. Muddle jalapeno, basil, and cucumber in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill shaker with ice.
3. Add gin and shake.
4. Strain cocktail into ice-filled glass and top off with tonic, a spring of basil, and sliced jalapeno.

2. CHASE THE SUN COCKTAIL

This unexpected pairing of beer, blood orange, jalapeño, and whiskey is absolutely delightful. This is a perfect “kick-it-with-the-bros” drink, while elevated just enough to keep it classy and high-end. Trust us, that citrus touch will throw you for a loop.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz blood orange juice or fresh citrus juice of your choice
• 2 oz whiskey or bourbon
• ½ – 1 oz agave syrup, to taste
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• 4 oz beer

How To Make:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add juice, whiskey, agave syrup, and jalapeño and shake well.
3. Strain cocktail into a chilled glass, add beer and stir.

3. LESS MONDAY, MORE SUMMER COCKTAIL

Pineapple Cilantro Serrano Cocktail

This spicy cocktail recipe screams a summer — a sunny Monday kind of cocktail (maybe you took the day off?). Fresh cilantro mixed with pineapple and spicy pepper means this drink is a divinely crafted sweet treat. It appeals to all types of taste buds, so it’s perfect for those outdoor parties.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1-2 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 2-3 wedges fresh lime
• 1 thin slice fresh jalapeno
• 2 oz tequila
• 3 oz pineapple juice
• Honey (optional)

How To Make:

1. Muddle cilantro, lime, and jalapeño pepper in a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila and pineapple juice and shake vigorously.
4. Strain into ice-filled glass. Crushed ice if desired — it adds a little something extra!

The easiest way to add the heat to any cocktail? This delicious jalapeño simple syrup. Create your own spicy cocktail recipe that’ll floor your taste buds. (PRO TIP: This syrup makes a mean margarita.)