Spicy rosé is when you add jalapeño pepper to your glass of rosé wine, then throw in a couple of ice cubes.

While there’s no definite story on how spicy rosé got started, it was spotted first online via Ally Marshall @allyssainthekitchen on TikTok. Now it’s all over our FYP pages; it turns out that this has been a thing for… a while?

@allyssainthekitchen

Have you ever tried a jalapeño slice in your rosé?

♬ Strange Habits – Kristen

The hashtag #jalapenorose started up a few weeks ago. It’s already filled with people trying the new trend, describing it as a ten out of ten.

Some tout it as the perfect drink to bring along to the golf course or the pool. Others say it’s a festive option for those who already prefer a spicy cocktail, such as a spicy margarita. 

The trend is an extension of this spicy margarita trend which has been catching fire on and off for a few years and pre-dates TikTok. “The idea came from my love for spicy margaritas and a running joke amongst my followers that I am obsessed with jalapeño and add them to everything,” Marshall told Newsweek.

When you think about it, it makes sense that the combination would work. A hint of spice tends to compliment the sweetness and citrusy undertones perfectly. Since most generic rosé has those flavour attributes, jalapeños make a worthy sidekick. 

Give it a go

To make spicy rosé yourself at home; pour a glass of your favourite rosé, throw in one or two fresh jalapeño slices, add a couple of ice cubes, and enjoy. The peppers will infuse the wine with subtle spice as it sits. Those scared of peppers, feel free to remove some seeds before putting them into the wine.

For those who want more potent spice instantly, I suggest muddling(cocktail speak of mashing at the bottom of a glass) the jalapeño slices in the bottom of the wine glass before topping off with rosé. Just make sure to add a tipple of wine before muddling. This is essential for getting the flavour out of the peppers. You could make spicy rosé into a spritzer by topping it off with sparkling water or club soda. 

What initially seemed like an unlikely duo, I bet the spicy rosé spritzer will be commonplace by September.

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