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A Spicy Jalapeño Gimlet is a fun twist on the classic gimlet cocktail recipe. The jalapeño gives it a spicy kick and it pairs with pretty much anything!
Today we are toasting to success!
Remember that time I decided to quite my corporate job and give life as a freelancer a go? Ever since I made that decision, there’s been a little voice in the back of my head saying, “WOW, you just made the biggest mistake ever…”
As unnerving as it’s been to scramble to figure out exactly what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it over the past few months, I can finally say with a sigh of relief… I will not be a homeless beggar on the streets.
Note: this is an updated version of the original posted on September 10, 2015.
Can you say #winning?
I know I need to stop saying that.
It’s been years, for god’s sake.
Give up the #winning already Meghan…
I am proud to say that after freaking out on a daily hourly basis, I can breathe a small sigh of relief, buckle down and get to work. I have work! Yes, this sounds completely insane, but if you put yourself in my shoes, you’ll understand.
Having work is the best thing in the world after going without it for a little while.
I might be working crazy hours and pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion, but I am exceedingly happy doing it. GAH, making dreams happen is amazing. Jus’ sayin’.
So today we are toasting to success (finally)! Seriously, such a freaking relief. I am so so so happy that things are actually coming together!
A spicy jalapeño gimlet seemed appropriate for the occasion.
It’s just the right sweet and spicy (and stiff) drink to reward yourself with at the end of a hard day’s work. I can still feel the lingering burn on my tongue and it is gooooooooood…
That’s my kinda drink, the kind that lingers on your palate and makes you want to come back for more again and again.
Let’s make a jalapeño gimlet!
Make the jalapeno simple syrup
To make the simple syrup, add sugar, water, and sliced jalapeño to a saucepan. Boil and then remove from the heat and let the mixture steep. I like to let it steep for at least 30 minutes. That way you can really get the spicy kick!
Make the cocktail
The cocktail is SUPER simple to make. Just add all the ingredients to a glass filled with ice, stir and strain into a chilled coupe glass. You’re done!
What is a gimlet?
A gimlet is a classic cocktail made with lime and gin. It actually used to be consumed by sailors to prevent scurvy lol. It’s a classically tart drink, so when you add spice to it, it’s fantastic!
Can I use another pepper?
You sure can! I like the flavor and heat level of jalapeño, but you can also use a serrano pepper. Another option is to use habanero if you REALLY like heat, but that is only for the bravest of spice lovers.
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Spicy Jalapeño Gimlet
ingredients
- 1/2 jalapeno sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 oz jalapeño simple syrup
- 2 oz gin
- Juice of 1 lime
- Sliced jalapeno for garnish
instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the jalapeno slices, sugar and water for the jalapeno simple syrup. Continue to stir until all the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is simmering. Remove from heat, cover and allow to steep for at least 10 minutes. Taste and let it steep longer depending on how spicy you’d like the syrup to be! Strain and cool completely in the refrigerator before using.
- To make the gimlet, add all ingredients to a tall glass filled with ice and stir to combine. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with slices of jalapeño.
Jill says
You totally are #winning! Would love to hear more about what you’re up to and how you’re making it work!
Meghan B. says
Haha it’s been… difficult to pull together to say the least! I’ve moved more towards social media management to pay the bills at the moment, but it does give me SO much more flexibility. Of course I’m moving in a few weeks so the extra time I have is dedicated to that, but once I get settled I can FINALLY focus on the blog more *fingers crossed* I definitely need to just dedicate a post to an overall life update, things have been insane!
Jill says
Very cool! Yeah, bring on the life update…after your move. Good luck!
sheila says
I am excited to make this. Is it supposed to be vodka or gin?
Meghan Y. says
It’s supposed to be gin! Sorry for the confusion – you could also use vodka though!