This is a recipe for Jalapeno Lemonade Vodka cocktail inspired by the Jalapeno Lemonade at the Houston Rodeo. Recipe is for those of the age 21+.
This week the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo opened up and it’s pretty much the happiest time of year if you live in the Houston area. If you’re unfamiliar with the Houston Rodeo, it’s a three week event that hosts home to a livestock show with various competitions in mutton bustin’, barrel racing, bull riding, and more. Everyday from March 1-20 you can go out to NRG stadium in your cowboy boots and shop the rodeo attire, pet animals, eat fried food, and catch a concert from artists like Darius Rucker to Pitbull. Personally I look forward to the Rodeo every year, because there is nothing better than eating a fried oreo in your cowboy boots under the Texas stars.
Matter of fact I have a must do list for the Houston Rodeo and it is:
1. Drink a jalapeno lemonade.
2. Watch the Mutton Bustin’.
3. Get my boots shined.
If you don’t know what Mutton Bustin’ is, it’s where small children cling to a sheep with their tiny lives while it runs down the stock yard. Which ever child holds on the longest wins. It sounds crazy but it’s the cutest event of the Rodeo. As for the food, you can find fried anything (no really, even ice cream), however my favorite treat from the rodeo is the Jalapeno Lemonade. There is only one stand in NRG park, ( I can’t find their name so if you know, let me know! I’d like to tag them.) that serves this spicy, tart, and sweet drink. Which really is perfect for those hot rodeo days or to sip while getting your boots shined. While jalapeno and lemon does not sound like a go to for creating a drink, they balance each other out in an amazing set of flavors.
That’s why I wanted to make an adult version to carry you through Rodeo season and heck, even when it is not! So grab your cowboy boots because this is going to put a kick in your two-step.
- 7.5 ounces Freshly Made Lemonade
- 0.75 ounces Pickled Jalapeño Juice
- 3 ounces Lemon Vodka
- Lemon twist For Garnish
- Pickled Jalapeno Slices For Garnish
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To a shaker add ice. Then pour in your lemonade, pickled jalapeno juice, and lemon vodka. Shake vigorously for 15 shakes. Add ice to two 6 ounce glasses. Strain cocktail into each glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and jalapeno slices. Serve immediately.
This Rodeo cocktail is sweet, tart, and spicy just like the rodeo version. If you want to make it a mocktail just remove the vodka and replace with one more shot of lemonade. I make it with freshly made lemonade bought from my local grocery store because it’s super tart. You can use whatever lemonade you enjoy. I’ve made mine a medium spice with the juice from jarred jalapenos, so if you like this a little cooler use less jalapeno juice, and if you like it really spice like my husband, make it a full shot! You can get these jalapenos in the pickle aisle of your grocery. Something about the jarred kind over fresh gives it just the right tang that goes with the lemon that fresh doesn’t give. This is a super easy cocktail to make!
I hope you enjoy my favorite part of the Rodeo, and I’d love to know, what is your favorite part? If you are not from Houston, is the Rodeo an event you would be interested in? Leave me a comment down below!