This sensational Spicy Paloma cocktail is not only refreshing but also packs a flavorful punch. It strikes the perfect balance of tanginess and subtle sweetness.
Essy is a huge fan of grapefruits and spicy drinks and dishes, so if you're like her, you're totally going to love this cocktail! So grab your ingredients and follow these step-by-step instructions, and customizable options that makes this drink a must-have for any occasion.
Looking for more easy cocktail recipes? Smoked Maple Old Fashioned, Maker's Mark Mint Julep, Watermelon Kombucha, and the Apple Cider Margarita.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Customizable Heat: The Jalapeño simple syrup along with jalapeno slices adds a unique spicy kick to this delicious drink. The spice level can be adjusted according to your personal preference.
Refreshing Flavor: Additionally, this spicy Paloma cocktail provides a delightful balance of tangy citrus from the lime and grapefruit juices, complemented by the subtle sweetness of the tequila and Jalapeño simple syrup. It's a refreshing take on the classic Paloma cocktail and is perfect for happy hour or any occasion.
Vibrant Presentation: This simple recipe is beautiful to look at as it is delicious to drink. It's a spicy cocktail that's sure to impress guests at any gathering.
Easy to Make: Furthermore, with just a handful of simple ingredients, your favorite tequila, and minimal prep work, this Paloma recipe is quick and easy to make.
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Spicy Paloma recipe.
Ingredient Notes
Tequila Blanco: Tequila Blanco provides the base spirit for this spiced tequila cocktail, adding a smooth and slightly earthy flavor to it.
Fresh Grapefruit Juice (Ruby Red): Freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice adds vibrant color, a hint of sweetness, and a slightly tart flavor to the grapefruit tequila cocktail.
Jalapeño Simple Syrup: Jalapeño-infused simple syrup provides a spicy kick and a touch of sweetness to this palomas drink.
Tajín Seasoning: Tajín seasoning is a blend of chili powder, dehydrated lime juice, and salt. It adds a tangy, spicy, and salty flavor to the rim of the glass.
How to Make A Spicy Paloma Step-By-Step
Check out these step-by-step instructions with images. Just so you know, you'll find all the details and exact ingredients of this recipe on the printable recipe card below!
Step 1 Prepare the Glass: Run a fresh lime wedge or grapefruit wedge around the rim of your glass. Then dip the rim into Tajín seasoning to coat the rim of the glass lightly.
Step 2 Mix the Drink: In the prepared glass, add ice, Blanco tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and spicy simple syrup for a touch of sweetness. Stir the mixture gently to combine the flavors.
Step 3 Add Sparkle: Finish by pouring a splash of sparkling water into the glass.
Step 4 Garnish: Garnish the drink with jalapeño slices for an extra spicy kick. You can also and a wedge of grapefruit for an extra touch of freshness.
Step 5 Serve: Serve your drink immediately and enjoy your refreshing Paloma!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Use Fresh Citrus: For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lime and grapefruit juice rather than the store-bought bottled versions. The fresh citrus juice will provide a brighter, more vibrant taste to the cocktail.
Adjust Spice Level: The spiciness of the cocktail can be adjusted by varying the amount of Jalapeño simple syrup or by adding more or fewer jalapeño slices. Taste as you go and adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Make Ahead: While it's best to prepare the Paloma just before serving, you can pre-mix larger batches of the cocktail (without the soda water). Keep the drink chilled in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Add the soda water just before serving to maintain its carbonation.
Additions and Substitutions
Additional Citrus: Experiment with adding other citrus juices. Orange or lemon juse are sometimes what we add to our cocktails for a different flavor profile.
Agave Syrup: If Jalapeño simple syrup is not available, you can substitute it with agave syrup which is the same thing as agave nectar or honey for sweetness. Be sure to add fresh jalapeño slices to infuse the drink with heat.
Different Spirits: While tequila is traditional, you can also substitute it with mezcal for a smokier flavor, or even vodka for a milder option.
Salt Rim Variation: Instead of Tajín seasoning, you can rim the glass with plain salt, flavored salt, or a mixture of salt and chili powder for a different flavor experience.
Your Questions Answered
Yes, you can pre-mix larger batches of this cocktail (excluding the soda water). Keep the drink chilled in the fridge until youre ready to serve. Add the soda water to the cocktail mix just before serving to maintain its carbonation.
Reposado is aged for 2 months to a year in oak or white oak barrels. Silver tequila, also known as Blanco, is rarely aged more than a couple of weeks.
Absolutely! Simply omit the tequila and increase the amount of grapefruit juice or soda water.
Yes, you can rim the glass with plain salt or a mixture of salt and chili powder if Tajín seasoning is not available.
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Recipe
Spicy Paloma
Ingredients
- 1 ounce lime juice, about 2 limes
- 2 ounces tequila blanco
- 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice (ruby red)
- ½ ounce soda water
- ½ ounce Jalapeño simple syrup
- Tajín seasoning, for rimming the glass
- Sliced jalapeño peppers, for garnishing the glass
- Lime wedge, for garnishing the glass
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Run a fresh lime wedge or grapefruit wedge around the rim of your glass and then dip the rim into Tajín seasoning to coat the rim of the glass lightly.
- In the prepared glass, add ice, Blanco tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and spicy simple syrup for a touch of sweetness. Stir the mixture gently to combine the flavors.
- Finish by pouring a splash of sparkling water into the glass.
- Garnish the drink with jalapeño slices for an extra spicy kick, and a wedge of grapefruit for an extra touch of freshness.
- Serve your drink immediately and enjoy your refreshing Paloma!
Eva says
This is perfect for Cinco de Mayo! I’m going to bookmark it for our celebrations!
Comfort Food and Drinks says
Yes! We love this cocktail year round and it is definitely perfect for Cinco de Mayo. Let us know how you liked it!