Jalapeño Margaritas

Combine sugar, water and jalapeño slices in a small saucepan; cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and let the jalapeño mixture stand for 20 minutes. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a small container; discard solids.

Combine the jalapeño simple syrup, tequila, lime juice and orange juice in a pitcher; refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. Pour into ice-filled rocks glasses; garnish with a jalapeño slice, if desired and serve immediately.