Photography by Jim Bathie
This Spicy Paloma recipe delivers a bold, citrusy kick perfect for summer sipping. A refreshing blend of silver tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, jalapeño-infused simple syrup, and lime juice, it’s finished with sparkling water and a Tajín-rimmed glass for an extra burst of flavor. Served over ice and garnished with grapefruit slices, this cocktail balances heat and sweetness for a bright, invigorating drink ideal for warm-weather get-togethers.
Spicy Paloma
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1½ cups silver tequila
- 1½ cups grapefruit juice
- 1 cup Jalapeño Syrup (recipe follows), or to taste
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 2 lime wedges
- 3 tablespoons chile pepper, lime, and sea salt seasoning*
- Sparkling water
- Garnish: grapefruit slices
Instructions
- In a small pitcher, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, Jalapeño Syrup, and lime juice.
- Run lime wedges around rims of 6 cocktail glasses.
- On a small rimmed plate, place seasoning. Press rim of glasses into seasoning. Fill glasses with crushed ice. Add tequila mixture. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with grapefruit slices, if desired.
Notes
*We used Tajín.
Jalapeño Syrup
Makes about 1⅓ cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 large jalapeño, sliced
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring sugar, 1 cup water, jalapeño, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool completely. Discard jalapeño. Store syrup in an airtight container until ready to use.
