Spicy Watermelon Mocktail⁠

1/3 cup water ⁠
1/3 cup granulated sugar ⁠
1 unit jalapeño, sliced⁠
For the spicy watermelon mocktail ⁠
1 cup cubed watermelon, seeds removed ⁠
1 oz jalapeño simple syrup⁠
2/3 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed⁠
2/3 cup Carbon8 sparkling water ⁠
fresh mint ⁠
⁠
Make jalapeño simple syrup: simmer water and sugar in a saucepan until dissolved.⁠
Add sliced jalapeño, cover, and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.⁠
Cool the syrup, strain out the jalapeño, and store in a mason jar in the fridge if not using immediately.⁠
For the mocktail, blend watermelon and lime juice until smooth.⁠
Strain juice into a serving glass and add jalapeño syrup.⁠
Stir, add ice, top with carbonated water, and garnish with mint and watermelon slice.⁠