Watermelon is one of my favorite summer fruits so it made sense to throw it into a cocktail, right? And what’s the best way to compliment the crispness of the watermelon? Jalapeño, of course! That’s how I came up with the Icy, Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Gin Splash.

This cocktail isn’t rocket science. It’s a combination of things I like−gin, watermelon, club soda, and heat two ways! Keep reading to see where that second level of heat is hiding…

But wait…I’ve said before that I’m not a huge fan of jalapeño so what’s it doing in my cocktail??? Turns out I’m a HUGE fan of jalapeño when it’s mixed into a refreshing adult beverage.

And I’m not the only one! My daughter (aka my drink taster who also professes to hate jalapeño) recently realized she actually really likes the hint of heat jalapeño adds to cocktails. Well, well, well…

Still not convinced?

That’s ok. The best part about adding jalapeño to your cocktails is that you can try it out and control the heat level.

So, whether you barely like heat or you haven’t found a food/drink that isn’t made better with jalapeño (like my husband), there’s a heat level just for you.

  • Prefer it on the cool side? Start with just a thin slice or two of jalapeño and be sure to remove the seeds.
  • Want a bit more heat? Up the number of jalapeño slices you add to the drink, still removing the seeds (or maybe leave a few in−it’s up to you!)
  • Still not hot enough? Add additional jalapeño slices AND add the seeds.
  • Looking for Gates of Hell heat? Add half a jalapeño and the seeds.

Whatever your tolerance for heat, this cocktail is not only Simple to Make, it’s simple to customize!

Simple to Make—Icy, Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Gin Splash

I made this drink with Hendrick’s Gin, but it would be equally delicious with vodka or tequila.

The second layer of heat in this drink comes from the chili salt on the rim of the glass. Again, you may think you won’t like chili salt, but I encourage you to give it a try. The chili powder adds some additional heat, but it’s not overwhelming and it perfectly complements the cocktail ingredients.

MOCKTAIL OPTION: if you’ve got little ones running around this summer who love watermelon, you can always skip the alcohol and blend the remaining ingredients to make a mocktail that will cool them down on a hot day.

Ingredients for the Icy, Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Gin Splash

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 2 C. ice
  • 1/4 of a medium-sized watermelon, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 4 jalapeño slices, seeds removed (you can boost the heat level by increasing the number of slices and using the seeds as well)
  • 2 oz simple syrup
  • 2 oz lime juice
  • 3 oz Hendrick’s Gin (or your favorite gin)
  • Splash of club soda
  • 2 t. kosher salt
  • 2 t. chili powder
  • Watermelon, lime, and jalapeño wedges for garnish

Instructions:

  • Add the ice, jalapeño slices, and watermelon chunks to blender and blend until smooth.
Add ice, jalapeño, and watermelon to blender and blend until smooth.
  • Add the simple syrup and lime juice. Pulse to combine with the watermelon-jalapeño mixture.
  • On a plate, mix the kosher salt with the. chili powder.
  • Rub a lime wedge on the rim of two cocktail glasses then coat the rims with the chili salt.
Chili salt for rimming the cocktail glasses. Don’t skip this step!
  • Pour 1 1/2 oz. Hendrick’s gin into each cocktail glass. If you’re making a mocktail, just skip this step!
  • Fill glasses almost to the top with the watermelon-jalapeño mixture.
  • Add a splash of club soda and stir to mix liquids.
  • Garnish with watermelon, lime, and jalapeño wedges.
Icy, Spicy Watermelon Jalapeño Gin Splash