Name: Spicy Paloma Cocktail
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 oz silver tequila; 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice; 1 oz fresh lime juice; 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste); 4-6 thin jalapeño slices (plus more for garnish); Sparkling water or club soda, to top; Chili salt or Tajín, for rimming; Grapefruit wedges and jalapeño slices, for garnish; Ice cubes

Meet your new favorite party sipper: the Spicy Paloma Cocktail! This bubbly tequila classic gets a fiery twist with fresh jalapeño, making each sip tangy, citrusy, and irresistibly bold.

Zesty grapefruit juice, smooth silver tequila, and sparkling soda dance together in a glass rimmed with chili salt-a combo that's mouthwatering, refreshing, and excitingly spicy from start to finish.

This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for patio season, taco night, or any fun gathering when you want something that's a little out of the ordinary but still super easy to make.

It's inspired by my first trip to Mexico City, where I fell in love with both the Paloma's pastel hue and its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and heat.

Vibrant pink-orange cocktail in a salt-rimmed glass, garnished with jalapeño and grapefruit

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy in every sip
Takes just minutes to make-totally doable for last-minute get-togethers
Customizable heat level to please spicy cocktail fans and newbies alike
Fresh, natural flavors-no artificial mixers required

Key Ingredients for Spicy Paloma Cocktail

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Silver Tequila

Tequila is the spirited heart of this drink, lending its signature smooth and peppery notes that pair beautifully with citrus. Go for a quality silver (blanco) tequila for the cleanest taste. If you prefer reposado or mezcal for extra depth, those work too!

Fresh Grapefruit Juice

For the classic Paloma tang, fresh grapefruit juice is non-negotiable. Squeeze the juice right before serving for optimal tartness and color. Bottled will work in a pinch, but look for one with no added sugars for best results.

Jalapeño Pepper

Jalapeño slices infuse the cocktail with just the right kick. Thinly slice and muddle them to control the spice level. For a milder version, remove the seeds, or swap for serrano if you love extra fire.

Sparkling Water or Club Soda

Effervescence makes the Paloma ultra-refreshing! Club soda is classic, but any plain sparkling water works perfectly. For a sweeter sip, add a splash of grapefruit soda instead.

Chili Salt Rim

Rimming the glass with chili salt transforms this drink from tasty to unforgettable. Use a blend of flaky salt, chili powder, and a hint of sugar. Tajín is an easy and flavorful shortcut if you have it.

Instructions for Spicy Paloma Cocktail

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Rim the Glasses

Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip in chili salt or Tajín for a spicy-salty kick that enhances every sip. Set prepared glasses aside.

Muddle the Jalapeño

In a cocktail shaker, add 4-6 jalapeño slices (adjust to your spice preference). Gently muddle to release their oils and flavor-but don't pulverize them!

Mix the Cocktail

Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and plenty of ice to the shaker with the jalapeños. Shake well for about 15 seconds until everything is icy cold.

Build and Top with Bubbles

Strain the mixture into your prepared glasses filled with fresh ice. Top with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy finish.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge and a jalapeño slice. Enjoy immediately while bubbly and bright!

Recipe Variations

Make It Non-Alcoholic

Fancy a mocktail? Swap the tequila for extra sparkling water and a splash of agave syrup or grapefruit Italian soda. The spicy citrus flavors still shine!

Dial Up the Sweetness

Love a sweeter Paloma? Simply add more simple syrup or use grapefruit soda instead of sparkling water for a bright, candy-like twist.

Swap the Spirits

Try mezcal for a smoky dimension, or substitute gin for a herbal, botanical take on the classic Paloma that's just as refreshing.

Change Up the Heat

Substitute jalapeño with serrano for extra spice, or try muddling in a slice of fresh ginger for gentle warmth and zing.

Make It Party-Size

Mix a larger batch in a pitcher-just multiply the ingredients as needed and keep the mixture chilled until guests arrive. Rim glasses as you go!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Spicy Paloma with classic Mexican snacks-think guacamole and chips, elote, or fresh ceviche. For a party platter, serve alongside tacos or a zesty citrus salad. Garnish each drink with a wedge of grapefruit and an extra pop of jalapeño for show-stopping presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Spicy Palomas are best enjoyed fresh for maximum fizz and flavor. If you need to prep ahead, mix the tequila, juices, and simple syrup in advance and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add ice, jalapeño, and top with sparkling water right before serving. Leftovers (without soda) can be kept chilled for a day, but cocktails with soda should not be stored or reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Paloma Cocktail (FAQ)

Q: Can I use bottled grapefruit juice instead of fresh?

A: Yes, but fresh grapefruit juice gives the brightest, cleanest flavor. If you use bottled, look for one that's 100 percent juice with no added sugars.

Q: How do I make the drink more or less spicy?

A: Adjust the spice level by using more or fewer jalapeño slices, or by removing the seeds for a milder taste. You can even skip the jalapeño entirely if you prefer zero heat!

Q: Can I use another type of chili for the rim or muddling?

A: Absolutely! Tajín works wonderfully, or you can try a dusting of cayenne or ground chipotle for different flavors.

Pour yourself a glass of this vibrant Spicy Paloma Cocktail and bring a burst of flavor to any occasion! If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment or a rating-I'd love to hear how you made it your own.

★★★★★ 4.80 from 174 ratings