On my most recent trip to Trader Joe's, I came across this item. It also happened to be Cinco de Mayo on the day I made my trip into the store. As a full-time history teacher, I just wish to remind everyone that Cinco De Mayo isn't actually Mexican Independence day.
If you would like to read more about the origins of the holiday, please continue on to History.com's explanation of the significance of the day. Like St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo has become an increasingly American celebration.
Significance of the day aside (and a history lesson too), I had seen this item appear on various forms of social media and decided this was something I needed to try. I can't think of any beverages that were sold as spicy other than one of the bitters I bought as part of Trader Joe's Hat Trick Trio of Bitters which unfortunately has been discontinued.
So I took the plunge and bought two bottles of Trader Joe's Organic Jalapeno Limeade which is seasonally available. I also had intentions to use this as a mixer for a spicy alcoholic beverage.
Besides, for $2.29 it wasn't terribly expensive and yes, this product is non-alcoholic.
Well, those two bottles might be hanging around my house for a while. I took a sip of it before figuring out a balanced drink recipe. I thought immediately of the words: It's full of lime flavor. By the time I had gotten to the final syllable of that thought the spice kicked in.
This is far spicier than Trader Joe's Habanero Lime Tortillas. It was more like drinking a jalapeno pepper with a lime chaser. On its own, it's just ok (I like spice) and might sit in my refrigerator for some time. When subjecting my husband to my typical, "Hey, Honey, try this. Tell me what you think."
He made a face that I should have taken a picture of. It was the wince of a person who had tasted something terrible. Almost like someone drinking milk way past its prime. My husband hated, loathed, despised, and abhorred this product. I don't blame him.
The selling point and the worst part of this is the level of spice used. It's just not that pleasant to drink on its own. I had a glass plain and that was enough for one day. Plus, this is sugary as having a soda.
As far as I'm concerned, on its own, it's not great. However, this review is going to seem a bit bipolar. Plain, I did not want to have more and more of this product. However, as a novelty drink mixer, it wasn't bad either. If you've enjoyed a spicy Margarita out, then this is something to pick up.
If you hate spice or are very timid about spice (or just don't like the thought of drinking something spicy for that matter), then this is not a good match for you. It was medium hot as a beverage in terms of spice level, so it's not meant for wide appeal. This beverage may be best suited to those who can use their mixology skills to come up with ways of tempering the flavors presented in this product.
Would I buy this again? I'm not sure. I was very excited about Trader Joe's Organic Jalapeno Limeade, but it's best suited as a drink mixed with something. For me, that something happened to be alcohol. I've made several adult beverages using this.
So far I've used it to make a Margarita, Caipirinha, and hope to see if it works as a Daiquiri.
But if you prefer your margaritas plainer you would be better off picking up Trader Joe's Margarita Mixer.
So here are some common questions you might have if you are buying this product.
Yes, this is one of those products that is available during the late spring and summer time. So if you love it stock up.
Yes, Trader Joe's sells a margarita mix. That product is available all year long.
This is currently priced at $2.29 for a 32 ounce bottle.
The bottle of Trader Joe's Organic Jalapeño Limeade:
The nutritional information and the ingredients:
How Trader Joe's describes this product:
What did I end up doing with this? I made Spicy Jalapeno Limeade Margaritas:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Organic Jalapeño Limeade
Product Name: Trader Joe's Organic Jalapeno Limeade
Product Description: Trader Joe's Organic Jalapeño Limeade is a seasonal spicy limeade that is shelf-stable.
Price: $2.29
Summary
Trader Joe's Organic Jalapeno Limeade is a seasonal flavor of limeade that you won't need to search for in the refrigerated section
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Trader Joe's Organic Jalapeno Limeade was the hottest beverage I've ever tasted. This doesn't fail at bringing the spice.
Cons
- This is a product that is not intended for everyone to enjoy.
- I have a feeling the reviews for this product will be all over the place. I
- n fact, it was a split decision in my household. When I had my husband try it, he said it was the worst thing he's ever tasted. I found this to be better mixed in an adult beverage.
Sam says
I tried it and absolutely loved it. I have already purchased additional bottles. Even my eight year old liked it and begged me for more. I haven't even tried it as a mixer yet, but am greatly anticipating doing so. Great product Trader Joe's, keep it coming!
becomebetty says
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for the feedback. I just posted a Margarita recipe if you are interested.
annika says
That sounds interesting for sure. Not sure I'd like it, but I would try it given the chance.
Sam says
I saw that and can't wait to try! Thanks for sharing.