Jalapeno Infused Tequila

Super easy to make and a necessary ingredient for a spicy margarita.  It takes only a few minutes to put together and a few more days depending on how hot your peppers taste.  

You could use different peppers such as seranno or even habanero but keep in mind you don't want it so spicy that you cant enjoy the drink. 

Use a lesser tequila is not advised. 100% blue agave keeps the hangover away. Anejo or reposado would work as well but are intended for sipping and would likely cost more. The blanco is the best choice for mixed drinks.

Ingredients

• two large jalapeno peppers, sliced lengthways into eighths

• 1.75L bottle of your favorite blanco (white) tequila - 100% blue agave

Preparation

Wash and cut the stem end off the jalapeno peppers. Then slice lengthways into eighths. They need to be skinny so you can get them out of the bottle later. Do not remove the seeds and membrane.

Open the tequila and remove about 2 ounces and reserve for later use. 

Add the peppers and shake.

Let sit for a few days and check for spiciness.  I generally leave mine until the peppers become semi-transparent (about a week). The tequila will take on a very light, pale green color.

Strain the tequila into a large pitcher and remove the peppers from the bottle. or alternatively you could strain it into a large decanter and be done.  Otherwise, shake the empty bottle upside down repeating until the peppers are out. Rinse the bottle to remove any excess seeds.  I have a set of long tweezers that works well. Pour tequila back into bottle.

Urban Cowgill
Sept. 2023