Spicy Paloma

The Spicy Paloma is bold, refreshing, and has just enough heat to keep things interesting. Fresh grapefruit juice pairs up with tequila and a spicy simple syrup, while a splash of grapefruit soda brings in the fizz. A chili-lime rim and fresh jalapeño garnish make it pop. This is a great drink when you want citrus with a kick.

Tasting Notes

The Spicy Paloma hits with citrus first, then heat. Silver tequila gives it a clean, sharp base, while fresh grapefruit juice brings tangy brightness. The spicy simple syrup adds warmth not overwhelming, but noticeable and lingers just enough to keep things interesting. Grapefruit soda finishes it off with a little fizz and light sweetness. The chili salt rim adds a punch of heat and salt that balances the drink with every sip. Garnished with grapefruit and jalapeño slices, this cocktail is crisp, bold, and great for anyone who likes their drinks with a little bite.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a shaker, jigger, citrus press, and a small dish for prepping the rim. Use a rocks or highball glass it gives you plenty of room for ice, garnish, and soda. A bar spoon helps mix the soda in gently after pouring. Rim your glass by rubbing the edge with lime juice, then dipping it into chili salt or your preferred spicy mix. Chill your glass ahead of time for best results. No strainer needed unless you’re using fresh grapefruit juice with pulp.

Ingredients

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 3 oz grapefruit juice
• 1 oz spicy simple syrup
• 2 oz grapefruit soda
• Lime wedge and chili salt for rimming
• Grapefruit slice and jalapeño slices, for garnish

Instructions

• Pour the chili salt rim mix onto a small plate.
• Rub the lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip it into the rim mix.
• Fill the glass halfway with ice. Tuck a few grapefruit slices inside the glass.
• In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add the tequila, grapefruit juice, and spicy simple syrup. Shake for about 15 seconds.
• Open the shaker and gently stir in the grapefruit soda.
• Pour everything into your prepared glass.
• Garnish with a few jalapeño slices.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for the best flavor.
• Make spicy syrup by simmering simple syrup with jalapeños or chili flakes.
• Adjust the heat level by changing the syrup amount.
• Add soda last to preserve fizz.
• Use large ice cubes to slow dilution.
• Try Tajín for the rim if chili salt is too strong.
• Garnish with thin jalapeño slices they look good and add aroma.

When to Serve

The Spicy Paloma is perfect for warm weather, casual parties, or anytime you want a drink with citrus flavor and a little kick. It’s great for taco nights, barbecues, or weekend brunch. It also pairs well with grilled food, salty snacks, or anything with a little spice of its own. The fresh juice and fizz make it feel light, while the heat gives it some personality. Serve it when you want something easy, bold, and just a little different from your usual margarita.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Tequila: Espolòn Blanco, Olmeca Altos Plata, or El Tesoro Blanco
• Grapefruit Juice: Fresh-squeezed or cold-pressed if available
• Spicy Syrup: Homemade with jalapeños or store-bought like Liber & Co. Fiery Ginger (as a sub)
• Grapefruit Soda: Jarritos, Fever-Tree, or Q Mixers
• Chili Salt: Tajín, Sal de Gusano, or a mix of chili powder and kosher salt
• Garnish: Thin grapefruit slice and a jalapeño ring

Similar Cocktails

• Spicy Green Margarita
• Spicy Coconut Margarita
• Avocado Paloma
• Pineapple Jalapeño Mimosa
• Spicy Avocado Coconut Margarita

Save Recipe Form

Δ

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below & I’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from me every week!

Save This Recipe

Spicy Paloma

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 4 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: grapefruit cocktails, Jalapeño, Jalapeno Cocktails, paloma, paloma variations, spicy, spicy cocktails, tequila cocktails

Servings: 1

Author: Paul Kushner

Equipment

• Small plate
• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Bar Spoon
• Rocks Glass

Ingredients

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 3 oz grapefruit juice
• 1 oz spicy simple syrup
• 2 oz grapefruit soda
• Lime wedge and chili salt for rimming
• Grapefruit slice and jalapeño slices for garnish

Instructions

• Pour the chili salt rim mix onto a small plate.
• Rub the lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip it into the rim mix.
• Fill the glass halfway with ice. Tuck a few grapefruit slices inside the glass.
• In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add the tequila, grapefruit juice, and spicy simple syrup. Shake for about 15 seconds.
• Open the shaker and gently stir in the grapefruit soda.
• Pour everything into your prepared glass.
• Garnish with a few jalapeño slices.

Notes

Pro Tips

• For the spicy rim, a mix of Tajín and sea salt works well.
• Make your own spicy simple syrup by simmering sugar, water, and fresh jalapeño slices.
• Let the syrup sit longer for more heat, or remove seeds for something milder.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!