It's Friday. 

I have been longing to say those words all week, and what a week it has been. 

It is time for a drink.  A bright, acidic, spicy drink.  Yes, spicy.  We are putting peppers in our spritzers this week, get into it! 

I have had the idea for some sort of jalapeño grapefruit concoction swimming around in my brain since I first began "Thirsty Fridays," and this week the idea finally came to fruition.

To be perfectly honest, I was a bit leery of the concept.  But, with a bit of bravery I chopped up some peppers and threw them into a pot with a healthy amount of sugar and ample water, and let the stovetop do her work. 

Pepper syrup?  Why not?

I mixed my spicy syrup with tart grapefruit juice and a squeeze of fresh lime juice and then poured in the bubbly stuff.  

Sparkling water makes me really happy, probably because it has the word sparkle in it.  

The acidity from the grapefruit and lime juices will really help to balance out the heat from the peppers. 

Pour over a glass of ice and grab a straw.  Just don't drink too fast on the first go, this spritzer packs a serious punch.  

And there it is - a perfectly balanced, lightly sweetened, tangy and bright drink ready for you to enjoy alongside a big bowl of queso dip. 

Happy Weekending! 

Sincerely,

  Pedantic Foodie

Grapefruit & Jalapeño Spritzer

makes 4

for the Jalapeño syrup

• 1 Jalapeño pepper, sliced*
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water

In a small saucepan, combine peppers, sugar, and water.  Place over medium high heat, stirring often until the sugar has completely dissolved.  Bring to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes, until the syrup has thickened slightly.  

Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature before straining.  You may wish to reserve some of the candied pepper slices for garnishing later on.  

*I did not remove the seeds, but if you would like to tone down the spice you can certainly remove them. 

drink and assembly 

• 1/4 cup Jalapeño syrup
• 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice (about 1 grapefruit)
• juice of one lime 
• 2 cups sparkling water
• candied pepper slices and lime wedges, for garnish (optional)

Combine syrup, grapefruit juice and lime juice in a medium pitcher.  Stir until the syrup is fully incorporated* and then add sparkling water.  Pour over ice and garnish with lime wedges and candied pepper slices.  Serve immediately.  Enjoy!   

*At this point you could refrigerate the juice until ready to serve.

You will likely have some pepper syrup leftover so make another batch of spritzers or try adding it to your next batch of lemonade!