Jalepeño Citrus Recipe

Juice fruit

Freshly squeeze limes and oranges to measure the required juices. Strain if pulp is undesired.

Slice a fresh jalapeño into thin slices. Remove seeds from the slices if you prefer milder heat.

Lightly clap the mint leaves between your palms to release aroma; reserve 6 leaves for muddling and 2 leaves for garnish.

In a cocktail shaker, add the jalapeño slices and 6 mint leaves. Add the simple syrup (if using). Using a muddler, gently muddle 6–8 times to bruise the mint and release some jalapeño oils — avoid over-muddling mint to prevent bitterness.

Add light rum, lime juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice to the shaker with the muddled jalapeño and mint.

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled.

Fill a highball or collins glass with crushed ice. Double-strain the shaken mixture into the glass to remove jalapeño seeds and mint fragments (use a fine mesh strainer over the shaker strainer for a cleaner drink).

Top the cocktail with a 1 oz splash of Sprite to add effervescence and a touch of sweetness. Gently stir once to combine.

Garnish with a mint sprig and a jalapeño wheel or slice on the rim. Serve immediately.