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    Home » Recipe » Drinks » Spicy Paloma Cocktail

    Spicy Paloma Cocktail

    Published Mar 2, 2017 · Updated Jan 6, 2022 by Ginnie · 4 Comments

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    Need to unwind? Kick back with my refreshing, easy to make Spicy Paloma Cocktail recipe!

    Spicy Paloma Cocktail Recipe, a refreshing twist on the classic Mexican drink! Learn how to make an easy Paloma cocktail from simple ingredients: tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, and spicy jalapeno simple syrup! This simple Paloma recipe is a fun pink cocktail that's ideal for entertaining, happy hour, summer, Cinco de Mayo, or any get together! | Hello Little Home #palomarecipe #palomacocktail #spicy #spicypaloma #tequila #cocktails #cocktailrecipe #jalapeno #jalapenosimplesyrup #paloma

    This post contains affiliate links.

    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!).

    Spicy Paloma Cocktail Recipe ... a refreshing mix of tequila and grapefruit! Learn how to make this easy mixed drink from simple ingredients, including a spicy jalapeno simple syrup! | Hello Little Home

    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.

    Spicy Paloma Cocktail Recipe ... a refreshing mix of tequila and grapefruit! Learn how to make this easy mixed drink from simple ingredients, including a spicy jalapeno simple syrup! | Hello Little Home

    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.

    Spicy Paloma Cocktail Recipe ... a refreshing mix of tequila and grapefruit! Learn how to make this easy mixed drink from simple ingredients, including a spicy jalapeno simple syrup! | Hello Little Home

    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 ½ 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 Recipe ... a refreshing mix of tequila and grapefruit! Learn how to make this easy mixed drink from simple ingredients, including a spicy jalapeno simple syrup! | Hello Little Home
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    5 from 1 vote

    Spicy Paloma Cocktail

    Unwind with a Spicy Paloma Cocktail, a fun twist on a classic recipe that will put a little kick in your step!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time20 minutes mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 135kcal
    Author: Ginnie

    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.
      Spicy Paloma Cocktail Recipe ... a refreshing mix of tequila and grapefruit! Learn how to make this easy mixed drink from simple ingredients, including a spicy jalapeno simple syrup! | Hello Little Home
    • 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

    *I used organic cane sugar, which is vegan.
    **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

    Calories: 135kcal
    Did you make this recipe?I love hearing from you! Leave a comment and rating below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!

    Spicy Paloma Cocktail Recipe ... a refreshing mix of tequila and grapefruit! Learn how to make this easy mixed drink from simple ingredients, including a spicy jalapeno simple syrup! | Hello Little Home

    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.

    Spicy Paloma Cocktail Recipe, a refreshing twist on the classic Mexican drink! Learn how to make an easy Paloma cocktail from simple ingredients: tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, and spicy jalapeno simple syrup! This simple Paloma recipe is a fun pink cocktail that's ideal for entertaining, happy hour, summer, Cinco de Mayo, or any get together! | Hello Little Home #palomarecipe #palomacocktail #spicy #spicypaloma #tequila #cocktails #cocktailrecipe #jalapeno #jalapenosimplesyrup #paloma

    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!


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    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
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    4 Comments
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    Caroline
    4 years ago

    How many servings does the jalapeño syrup make? Thanks!

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    Ginnie
    4 years ago
    Reply to  Caroline

    Hi, Caroline! It makes enough for about 12 servings.

    0
    Reply
    simple nature decor
    8 years ago

    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

    0
    Reply
    Amy
    8 years ago

    This sounds SO good, Ginnie! If it wasn't 11pm, I'd consider making one right now!

    0
    Reply

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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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