Sweet cocktails are boring. This one has heat. Pineapple juice, watermelon juice, vodka, and one or two slices of fresh jalapeno, shaken with ice and strained into a glass. The jalapeno does not overwhelm. One slice gives a tingle at the back of your throat. Two slices makes you notice.
The pineapple and watermelon are sweet enough that you do not need any syrup. The jalapeno is the only thing keeping this from being a juice box for adults. Strain it well so no seeds slip through.
Tips for Making Jalapeno Watermelon Cocktails
Control the heat with the jalapeno
One slice for mild. Two for noticeable heat. The seeds and membrane are where most of the capsaicin lives. Remove them for less spice.
Shake the jalapeno with the other ingredients and ice. Shaking bruises the pepper and releases more heat than stirring.
Use fresh juices
Fresh watermelon juice: blend watermelon chunks and strain. Fresh pineapple juice: blend pineapple chunks and strain. Both taste markedly better than store-bought.
If using store-bought, choose not-from-concentrate. The flavour is closer to fresh.
Jalapeno-Watermelon Cocktail
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
Description
A subtly spicy drink perfect to kick off the beginning of summer, combining the refreshing flavors of watermelon and pineapple with a hint of jalapeno heat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 1/2 oz watermelon juice
- 1-2 Jalapeno slices
- 1 oz vodka
Instructions
- Combine the pineapple juice, watermelon juice, and vodka in a shaker with ice.
- Add 1-2 slices of jalapeno to the shaker.
- Shake well and strain into a glass.
- Garnish with additional jalapeno slices if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 20
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tequila instead of vodka?
Yes. Tequila adds an agave flavour that pairs well with the watermelon and jalapeno. The cocktail leans more Mexican with tequila.
Can I make this as a pitcher?
Scale up the ingredients proportionally. Add the jalapeno slices to the pitcher and let them infuse for ten minutes, then remove. The longer they sit, the spicier it gets.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes. Skip the vodka and add an extra ounce of each juice. The jalapeno and pineapple combination is interesting even without spirits.
