The Spicy Paloma is both refreshing and bubbly… and has an extra kick, too.
When the weather is warm and the bathing suits come out of storage, some ice-cold and strong cocktails can’t be too far behind. A Margarita and Daiquiri, often of the frozen variety, are a favored go-to. But every once in a while, we’re reminded of other refreshing thirst-quenchers. Like the Paloma, for example. Grapefruit juice, tequila, limes… My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Tonight’s recipe is an eye-opening variant on the classic Mexican beverage, the Spicy Paloma. And like the name suggests, this one has a little extra kick to it.
At first glance, you might be thinking to yourself, How do all these flavors go together? Does it become a war for flavor supremacy, with your taste buds as the battleground? Not at all. The Spicy Paloma is crafted to create a balanced experience that not only cools you down but can make you sweat a little in the process, bringing just the right amount of heat to the finish of each sip.
What is the best tequila to use in a Spicy Paloma?
With a swirl of flavors that include grapefruit juice, simple syrup, lime juice, and a mixture of hot peppers and spices, a blanco tequila is your best bet for a balanced and tasty beverage. The clear color and earthy, unaged taste will mix wonderfully with the other ingredients, resulting in the perfect amount of refreshment and heat.
Ingredients
- Salt or Tajín seasoning for the rim
- 1 small jalapeño or serrano pepper slice plus more for garnish
- 2 ounces blanco tequila
- 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup adjust to taste
- 2 ounces sparkling water
- 1 to 2 dashes hot sauce optional
- Grapefruit wedge to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Rim the glass with lime and Tajín seasoning or salt. Add ice.
- Muddle the pepper slice in a shaker for spice.
- Add your tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and syrup into the shaker with ice. Shake well and strain mixture into the rimmed glass.
- Add the sparkling water gently into the glass, and for an extra kick, a couple of dashes of hot sauce.
- Stir gently, then garnish with a grapefruit wedge and pepper slice.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Rub a lime wedge on the rim of a chilled highball glass, then dip that into Tajín seasoning or salt. Fill with ice, pour your beverage in and garnish with some fresh jalapeño slices and a wedge or two of grapefruit.
What is Tajín seasoning?
Tajín is the brand name of a popular and easy-to-find Mexican seasoning, comprised of chili peppers, salt and dehydrated lime juice. First hitting the market in 1985, it has now gone global.
Other Paloma variations worth trying
Palomas are everywhere, and for good reason. They’re tart, fizzy and pack quite a punch with the right amount of tequila. They’re also pretty flexible, it seems, what with all of those different versions of this trendy tipple floating around out there. Here’s a handful for you to try out, and make sure you explore the site for even more different takes.
- Beer Paloma – Add some cerveza to this thirst-quenching favorite.
- Jalapeño Paloma Mocktail – A spicy and booze-free take on the classic.
- Mezcal Paloma – Make your next Paloma a smoky and robust affair.
- Paloma Sour – Have the best of both cocktail worlds with this monumental mixture.
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