How to Make Spicy Orange Jalapeño Spritzer (Father's Day Special)

Let's talk Father’s Day. Backyard grilling, laughter in the air, and—let’s be honest—a drink in hand that feels a little elevated, a little fun, and a little bold. This Spicy Orange Jalapeño Spritzer is perfect.

Spritzers have been around since the early 1800s—originally created as a lightened-up way to enjoy strong Austrian wines. Fast-forward a few centuries, and we’ve evolved the concept into something far zestier and summer-ready. This spicy orange jalapeño version gives your average cocktail a major upgrade—with fizzy bubbles, bright citrus, and a peppery kick that totally slaps. And the best part? It takes just 10 minutes. It’s citrusy, fizzy, just sweet enough, and packs a peppery punch that makes it perfect for Father’s Day or any warm-weather celebration!

How to Make Spicy Orange Jalapeño Spritzer

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes 

Servings: 10–12

Ingredients

• • 4 limes
  • 7 navel oranges, divided
  • 2 small jalapeños, divided
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Club soda (for serving)
  • 2 cups water (warm)

Instructions

Step 1: Juice the Oranges

Using the heavy-duty citrus juicer, juice 6 of the navel oranges until you have about 2 cups of fresh orange juice. 

Step 2: Prep the Fruit and Jalapeños

After juicing, quarter the rinds of the oranges and set aside. Then, slice 1 ½ jalapeños (leave the seeds in if you like it spicy) and halve the limes.

Step 3: Simmer the Base

In a medium saucepan, combine:

• • Orange peels
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Lime halves
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 2 cups warm water

Stir to dissolve the sugar and salt, and let the mixture gently simmer for 10–15 minutes. This step infuses the syrup with rich citrus and spicy flavors.

Step 4: Strain & Chill

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the mixture into a pitcher using a kitchen strainer or the cocktail strainer. Discard the solids and let the liquid chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Mix & Serve

Once chilled, pour 2–3 tablespoons of the infused syrup into an ice-filled glass. Top it off with club soda, stir with a cocktail spoon, and garnish with a jalapeño slice or orange wedge for flair.

Tips & Variations to Try for Spicy Orange Jalapeño Spritzer

• If you prefer a sweeter taste, add more syrup before serving to enhance the flavor profile.
• To reduce spiciness, remove the seeds from the jalapeño or use a smaller quantity of the pepper.
• For a boozy variation, include a splash of tequila or vodka to elevate your drink.
• Swap in grapefruit juice for a unique, more bitter flavor that can complement other ingredients.
• Adding crushed mint leaves will create a refreshing mojito-style spritz that's perfect for warmer days.
• Blend the syrup with ice for a cold, slushy beverage that’s both fun and delicious.

Make Father's Day Special with Spicy Orange Jalapeño Spritzer

This Spicy Orange Jalapeño Spritzer hits the mark. It's fun, it's flavorful, and it's made even better with the right tools from Zulay Kitchen. It’s not trying to be fancy for the sake of it. There’s no obscure botanical syrup or hard-to-pronounce mixer you’ll never use again. It’s citrus. It’s heat. It’s sparkle. It’s summer in a glass. And honestly? It just works.

It's not here to impress—it’s here to connect. To celebrate the little things. To raise a glass to the guy who taught you how to change a tire or grill a steak or appreciate a good dad joke. So pour it over ice, kick back, and toast to Father’s Day—spicy, fizzy, citrusy, and full of heart.

Other Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Here are a few more tools from Zulay Kitchen to make your drink-making experience even easier:

• • Jalapeño Corer & Pepper Seed Remover – It gets those seeds out cleanly, quickly, and without pepper juice under your fingernails.
  • Ice Cube & Ice Ball Mold – These trays make perfectly shaped cubes that chill your drink without watering it down too fast. 
  • Complete Bartender Kit – Everything you need to shake, stir, and pour like an actual bartender.

Take It to the Next Level with Premium Ingredients

Want to level up your Father's Day drink game? Add a splash of Blood Orange Mai Tai by Craftmix to deepen the citrus profile and give your spritzer a richer, more tropical vibe. It blends seamlessly with fresh orange and lime juice, and that touch of sweet fruitiness? Chef’s kiss.

Grab a few from our shop and experiment with the whole Craftmix lineup — they're perfect for creating show-stopping drinks!

 Shop More Ingredients!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I make the syrup ahead of time?

Absolutely! The syrup can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will actually deepen over time, making your spritzer even more intense and refreshing on day two or three.

Is there a non-spicy version of this drink?

Yes! If spice isn’t your thing, simply omit the jalapeños from the recipe. You’ll still get the citrusy brightness of the oranges and limes, just without the heat. You can also swap in fresh mint or basil for a completely different kind of refreshing twist.

Can I make this into a cocktail?

Definitely! Add 1.5 oz of your favorite spirit—tequila, vodka, or gin all work great. Stir it into the spritzer before topping off with club soda. You’ll have a unique citrus cocktail with a signature spicy kick.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead?

Technically, yes—but it won’t taste the same. Freshly squeezed juice brings a natural sweetness and vibrant flavor that bottled juice just can’t match. If you're in a rush, choose a not-from-concentrate juice with no added sugars.

How do I make this drink look fancy for guests?

Presentation is everything! Use clear glasses, add a slice of orange or lime on the rim, float a jalapeño slice on top, and serve with a fun paper straw or cocktail pick. You can even sugar the rim using flavored salts from our collection.