Spicy Summer Refreshment: Crafting the Perfect Grilled Jalapeño Orange Shandy
A Grilled Jalapeño Orange Shandy is the ultimate summer concoction: a beautifully balanced, beer-focused drink designed to deliver both a refreshing chill and an exciting kick on even the longest, hottest days. This unique shandy stands apart with its star ingredients – expertly grilled jalapeños and succulent orange slices, which are then infused into a vibrant, homemade lemonade. This flavorful base perfectly complements a crisp, simple pale ale, creating a beverage that’s not just refreshing but also features just the right amount of subtle heat to awaken your palate and leave your taste buds tingling with delight.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Traeger. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
When you think of grilling, your mind likely jumps to steaks, burgers, or maybe some succulent chicken. But I’m here to tell you, my friends, that the art of grilling extends far beyond just meats. If you haven’t yet ventured into the delicious world of grilling fruits and vegetables, now is truly the time to ignite that grill and explore a whole new dimension of flavor.
Historically, grilled fruits have often been reserved for a variety of delightful desserts, adding a caramelized sweetness and a hint of smoky depth to everything from peaches to pineapple. Today, however, we’re taking a deliciously unexpected turn. We’re about to unveil an entirely new and exciting way to enjoy the nuanced flavors that come alive when fruit meets fire, and it all comes together in a refreshing cocktail.
Introducing the star of our show: a grilled cocktail. Yes, you read that right. Grilling isn’t just for solid food; it’s a technique that can dramatically elevate your drink game, transforming simple ingredients into a complex symphony of flavors. The subtle char and smoky essence from the grill infuse liquids with an unparalleled depth that can’t be achieved any other way.
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The Evolution of My Grilling Journey: Thanks to Traeger
I must confess, in my pre-Traeger days, firing up the grill often felt like a monumental task. When I had a traditional charcoal grill, the thought of the extensive setup time, waiting for the coals to reach the perfect temperature, and the subsequent cleanup often outweighed my desire for that fresh-off-the-grill taste. Patience isn’t exactly my strongest virtue, and as a result, my grill would unfortunately remain unused a majority of the time, gathering dust rather than delivering deliciousness.
However, everything changed the moment a Traeger grill entered my life. It was a game-changer. Suddenly, grilling transformed from a chore into a joy. I’ve found myself grilling at least four to five times a week, a testament to just how incredibly easy Traeger grills are to master and incorporate into daily cooking routines. The convenience is unmatched.
What sets a Traeger apart is its brilliant combination of convenience and unparalleled flavor. It offers all the effortless ignition and temperature control of a propane grill, yet it infuses your food with a depth of flavor that only comes from real wood smoke. Those small, flavorful wooden pellets are the secret ingredient, imparting a natural, rich smokiness that elevates everything you cook. Whether it’s savory meats, delicate vegetables, or even the surprising elements for a cocktail, the Traeger’s unique cooking method makes every dish exceptional.
Currently, I proudly own the Traeger Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill, and it truly is a dream to operate. But the magic isn’t exclusive to this specific model; the brilliance of Traeger’s pellet technology is consistently applied across their entire range of grills. This means that no matter which level of model you choose, you’re guaranteed to get a grill that you’ll find yourself eager to fire up every single week. The consistent results and incredible flavors are truly addictive.
Beyond the fantastic taste, one of my absolute favorite aspects of using this magical grill, especially during the warmer months, is that it allows me to avoid heating up my entire house. Cooking on the stove or in the oven inevitably raises the indoor temperature, making an already hot day feel even more unbearable. With the Traeger, I can enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked meals and now, even refreshing cocktails, all while keeping my kitchen cool and comfortable. It’s a win-win situation for any home chef.
The Secret Ingredient: Grilled Fruit and Veggies
This newfound love for hassle-free outdoor cooking is precisely what inspired me to start experimenting with crafting cocktails that feature grilled ingredients. There’s an undeniable allure to that charred, smoky flavor that emanates from a Traeger grill. It subtly seeps into whatever you’re cooking, but crucially, it does so without overwhelming the natural essence of the food. Instead, it merely imparts a delicate whisper of the wood pellets’ character, essentially enhancing and deepening the inherent flavors of your ingredients.
The beauty of grilling lies in its ability to transform even the simplest produce into something extraordinary. When fruits and vegetables hit those hot grates, the sugars caramelize, the textures soften, and a captivating smoky aroma develops. This process creates layers of flavor that are impossible to replicate with indoor cooking methods. For cocktails, this means an added dimension of complexity and a unique profile that will truly surprise and delight your guests.
This transformative magic is exactly what happens with the orange slices and jalapeño halves that you grill for our homemade grilled jalapeño orange lemonade, which forms the vibrant heart of this shandy. The direct heat and wood smoke kiss the oranges, intensifying their citrus sweetness and adding a delightful caramelized note. Simultaneously, the jalapeños develop a beautiful char, mellowing their raw heat slightly while deepening their peppery essence. The resulting lemonade is a harmonious blend of tartness from the lemon juice, a pleasant spicy warmth from the jalapeños, and a natural sweetness from the oranges and honey. Once this dynamic lemonade is combined with a crisp, refreshing pale ale, the drink truly comes alive, offering a nuanced dance of flavors across your taste buds – a flavorful ride that’s truly unforgettable.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Shandy
For those unfamiliar, a shandy is a mixed alcoholic drink usually consisting of beer mixed with a non-alcoholic beverage such as lemonade, ginger beer, ginger ale, or fruit juice. It’s renowned for being incredibly refreshing and sessionable, making it an ideal choice for a sunny afternoon or a backyard barbecue. The key to a great shandy lies in the balance between the beer and the mixer, ensuring neither overpowers the other, but rather they complement each other to create a new, harmonious profile.
Our Grilled Jalapeño Orange Shandy takes this classic concept and elevates it with innovative, smoky notes. The robust flavor of the grilled jalapeños, coupled with the bright, caramelized sweetness of the grilled oranges, creates a lemonade base that is far from ordinary. When this complex lemonade is introduced to a light, crisp pale ale, the result is nothing short of spectacular. The beer’s subtle malty notes and effervescence cut through the sweetness and spice, creating a beautifully rounded beverage that is simultaneously zesty, slightly fiery, and supremely thirst-quenching. Each sip offers a delightful surprise, showcasing the depth that grilling can bring to even the simplest of ingredients.
This shandy isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of summer flavors, outdoor cooking, and the simple pleasure of a perfectly crafted beverage. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, or just looking for a unique way to cool down, this Grilled Jalapeño Orange Shandy will undoubtedly become your new go-to summer drink. The combination of smoky, spicy, sweet, and tart notes, all mellowed by the crispness of a pale ale, creates a symphony of flavors that is truly captivating. So, fire up your Traeger, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a flavor adventure that will redefine your idea of a summer refreshment.
table of contents
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Grilled Jalapeno Orange Shandy
ingredients
- 1 jalapeño pepper cut in half lengthwise
- 3 oranges thinly sliced (reserve 4 slices for garnish)
- Traeger Wood Pellets Hickory or Pecan pellets are recommended for a complementary smoky flavor
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups homemade grilled jalapeño orange lemonade
- 2 cups pale ale (a light, crisp pale ale works best)
instructions
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Begin by preheating your Traeger grill to its highest setting. Once the internal temperature reaches at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit, carefully place the orange slices and jalapeño halves directly onto the grill grates.
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Grill the fruit and peppers for approximately 5 minutes in total. Make sure to flip both the jalapeño halves and orange slices halfway through the grilling process to ensure even charring. They should develop distinct grill marks and soften slightly.
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In a large pitcher, combine the grilled jalapeño halves, orange slices (remember to set aside 4 grilled orange slices for later garnish), honey, and fresh lemon juice. Muddle these ingredients together thoroughly to release all their wonderful juices and smoky flavors. Add the water and stir well to ensure everything is combined.
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Transfer the lemonade mixture to the refrigerator and allow it to cool completely. Chilling it enhances the flavors and makes for a more refreshing drink. This step can take at least 10 minutes.
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When you’re ready to serve, strain the chilled lemonade into a clean pitcher using a fine mesh sieve. This will remove any pulp, seeds, and the solids from the grilled ingredients, leaving you with a smooth liquid base.
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Prepare 4 tall glasses by filling each generously with ice.
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Pour the homemade grilled jalapeño orange lemonade into each glass, filling it approximately halfway.
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Top off each glass with the pale ale until the glass is full. Give it a light stir to gently combine the lemonade and beer.
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Garnish each finished shandy with a reserved grilled orange slice and a small piece of grilled jalapeño (if desired, for extra heat and presentation). Serve immediately and enjoy!