Need to unwind? Kick back with my refreshing, easy to make Spicy Paloma Cocktail recipe!
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Before we moved to Dallas, our favorite neighbors gave us a bottle of tequila as a goodbye present … good friends, right? It was an excellent quality bottle (Los Azulejos Silver, if you’re wondering), and he warned us not to waste it on margaritas. Ha!
We’re not ones to sip tequila straight, although we did try it that way. I just can’t hack it!
So rather than waste a good bottle, I started brainstorming and did a little research to see what drinks can be made with tequila.
After spotting a display of gorgeous pink grapefruits at my local store, I decided to make a Spicy Paloma Cocktail. It’s an easy twist on the traditional Paloma recipe, and it pairs perfectly with all my favorite Mexican recipes (bonus!).
There’s nothing I enjoy more after a busy day (or even a lazy one) than relaxing with a delicious drink, like my Spicy Paloma Cocktail. This pretty, blush pink drink is the perfect way to unwind and let go of the day’s worries.
And don’t worry, the recipe is easy to adapt if you don’t like anything spicy.
The traditional Paloma recipe is popular for a reason, but I couldn’t help experimenting with Paloma cocktail variations My simple recipe uses fresh, high quality ingredients, making it a natural pair for a top shelf spirit.
And it’s just so delish … the citrus is tart and refreshing, and a jalapeno simple syrup adds just the right amount of kick and sweetness.
How to Make a Spicy Paloma Cocktail
Have you ever had a Paloma before? If not, you’re in for a treat!
A classic Paloma cocktail is a mix of grapefruit soda, lime juice, and tequila. That’s it … it’s really simple to make.
Of course, I had to give it a little twist! For my Spicy Paloma Cocktail, I replaced the soda with fresh grapefruit juice for more fresh flavor, rimmed the glasses with coarse salt, and topped off the drink with every Texan’s favorite sparkling water, Topo Chico.
This is a simple recipe, but make sure to measure everything with a jigger so your proportions are right.
Then, there’s the spicy part! If you’ve stuck around here long enough, you probably know that I love all things hot and spicy.
So for my Paloma recipe, I made a jalapeno simple syrup to crank up the heat. It’s extremely easy to make, although you need to plan ahead so the syrup has a chance to cool before you mix the drinks. My recipe is for one cocktail, but the jalapeno simple syrup recipe makes around 1 1/2 cups. So you should have enough for about 12 cocktails (depending on how accurately you measure).
The jalapeno simple syrup is super easy to customize. Leave out the jalapeno if you don’t like heat, or add more to bump up the spice factor. I actually thought the syrup was fairly mild, so I’ll probably add an extra jalapeno or two to my next batch. For me, it’s the spicier the better!
However hot you like it, this Spicy Paloma Cocktail recipe is sure to become a favorite! Drink one to cool off after a hot day, or enjoy it with your favorite Mexican food for the perfect pairing!
Spicy Paloma Cocktail
Ingredients
For Jalapeno Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar*
- 1 cup water
- 1 jalapeno, halved lengthwise**
For Paloma:
- coarse salt
- 2 lime wedges
- 3 ounces fresh grapefruit juice, strained
- 1 ounces jalapeno simple syrup
- 1 ounces tequila
- sparkling water, such as Topo Chico
Instructions
Prepare jalapeno simple syrup:
- Combine, sugar, water, and jalapeno in a small pot over medium heat; cook until sugar dissolves and syrup begins to bubble, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Strain syrup and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Prepare Paloma:
- Cover the bottom of a saucer or other small dish with salt.
- Wet glass edge with lime wedge.
- Dip rim in salt.
- Fill glass with ice, then add grapefruit juice, syrup, and tequila to glass.
- Squeeze juice from second lime wedge into glass, then top with sparkling water.
- Give cocktail a stir and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
**For a milder syrup, remove seeds and membranes from the jalapeno or leave out the jalapeno altogether. For a spicier syrup, add additional jalapenos.
Nutrition
How to Make Palomas by the Pitcher
Are you planning a party?
Make a pitcher of Palomas instead of individual cocktails. Simply multiply the recipe ingredients by the number of drinks you’d like to make.
Refrigerate until ready to serve, then pour over ice, top off with sparkling water, and garnish with jalapenos to serve.
And if you’re looking for other cocktails that are perfect for parties, try my Spiked Raspberry Lemonade or Easy Beergaritas! Both can be made by the pitcher, as well.
What is your favorite drink to make with tequila?
P.S. Pair this Spicy Paloma Cocktail with one of my favorite Mexican recipes for a festive meal!
Ginnie, I am so sorry I have not been stopping by! I have known you for several years now and you are a great gal and I love your blog. I will subsctibe to keep in touch with your posts.
Maria
This sounds SO good, Ginnie! If it wasn’t 11pm, I’d consider making one right now!