Why This Works
Heat and citrus amplify each other — capsaicin makes the lime taste brighter, and the acid keeps the burn from lingering too long. Infusing the jalapeño into syrup rather than muddling it fresh gives you control: you decide the heat level once, and every drink comes out consistent.
The orange juice does quiet work here, rounding the sharp edges between the spice and the lime. And the salt rim isn't decoration — salt suppresses bitterness and amplifies sweet and sour, so every sip that crosses it tastes fuller.
The Alcohol-Free Swap
An alcohol-free tequila with real agave character stands up to the jalapeño's heat — a weaker base would disappear entirely behind the spice.