Charred Jalapeño Tequila Collins
A refreshing tequila Collins cocktail with a kick from charred jalapeño and fresh citrus, perfect for spice lovers. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together blanco tequila, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- 3 jalapeño slices
- 1 lemon wheel
- as needed ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 3 jalapeño slices into a shaker and muddle gently to release flavor without over-pureeing.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup to the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until chilled.
- Step 4: Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and gently stir once to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with a thin lemon wheel slid onto the rim and one jalapeño slice floated on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Jalapeño Tequila Collins take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Charred Jalapeño Tequila Collins?
Refrigerate any leftover charred jalapeño tequila collins in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Jalapeño Tequila Collins?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charred Jalapeño Tequila Collins for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charred Jalapeño Tequila Collins?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.