Pepper Diet Pepsi Recipe

Crush peppercorns

Lightly crush the 6 whole black peppercorns using the flat of a knife or a mortar and pestle to release aroma. You want coarse cracks, not powdered pepper.

Muddle the crushed peppercorns and the sliced half jalapeño in a small bowl or shaker with the 0.25 fl oz simple syrup and 0.5 fl oz fresh lime juice. Muddle about 20–30 seconds to extract oils and a touch of heat from the jalapeño; remove seeds if you want milder heat.

Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to steep. If you prefer a clearer soda, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter into a small cup to remove solids; otherwise leave some flecks for visual interest.

Fill a highball glass with ice (about 1 cup).

Pour the 12 fl oz chilled diet cola into the glass over the ice.

Add the 2 fl oz chilled club soda to maintain effervescence and lighten sweetness.

Add the strained pepper-jalapeño-lime syrup infusion to the glass and gently stir once or twice to combine. Taste and adjust: for more heat add a touch more of the jalapeño infusion; for more tang add 0.25–0.5 fl oz extra lime juice.

If you did not strain the infusion earlier, use a spoon to press out the muddled mixture against the strainer while pouring so solids do not block the glass.

Optional: Moisten the rim of the glass with the lime wedge and dip or sprinkle a light amount (about 1 tsp) of cracked black pepper onto the rim or directly on top of the drink for an aromatic hit.

Garnish with the lime wheel or wedge on the rim and serve immediately while effervescent.