TikTok’s Jalapeno Wine Trend, Explained

From spicy margaritas to gochujang bloody marys, bartenders are no stranger to fiery cocktails. But what about chilli-infused wine? Say hello to TikTok’s latest quirky drinks trend, which sees people dropping frozen jalapenos into their Sauvignon Blanc.

Will Jalapeno Wine Take Off?

Jalapeno wine isn’t an entirely new trend: in summer 2022, chilli-infused rose took off on TikTok. But now it’s white grapes, specifically Sauvignon Blanc, that are getting the spicy treatment.  The concept might make oenophiles wince, but the drink is getting a lot of good feedback on the platform right now – particularly in the US.

@kyraivy A spicy little addition to my fav Sauvignon Blanc from Chenoweth Wines🫶🏼 #sauvignonblanc #wine #winegirl ♬ original sound – goodfunfilms

Users are deeming it the drink of summer 2025, claiming the hack elevates the flavour, with Texan wine lover Grace Ramadan going as far as saying: ‘I fear I will never be able to drink my sauvy b the same way again.’

Pairing wine with spice can be a challenge, as the spice accentuates the tannins, which can diminish the good qualities of the drink. Yet fans are claiming the zing of the chillies balances out the crispness of the cold wine, and a couple of wine experts have argued that the chillies can actually help accentuate the flavour of the grapes. However, there are some things to be wary of if you’re thinking of giving it a go.

Is Jalapeno Wine Safe?

A doctor has warned of a few possible side effects of mixing alcohol with capiscum. ‘It’s not as harmless as it seems,’ says Dr Kate Jameson, founder of Youth Lab. ‘Adding chillies to alcohol may cause short-term reactions that people aren’t prepared for – especially if they already have digestive issues or are sensitive to spice.’

She explains that the combination of alcohol and chilli can irritate the digestive tract, causing symptoms like reflux, stomach pain and nausea. Plus, the effects of the alcohol may be stronger than with your average glass of wine, as spicy ingredients can increase blood flow, leading to faster absorption of alcohol. ‘This means you could feel tipsy more quickly, especially on an empty stomach,’ she says. ‘It’s not something to experiment with before dinner.’

You might also find you’re more dehydrated after drinking chilli wine, adds Dr Jameson: chilli raises body temperature, which can make you feel flushed and increase the risk of headaches. 

So is it one to skip? Spicy wine won’t be dangerous for most people, but Dr Jameson recommends enjoying it in moderation – and avoiding it entirely if you have IBS or acid reflux. ‘It’s fun for TikTok, but your gut and skin might not thank you for it.’