Yield
1 drink
Time
40 minutes
Give a classic Paloma cocktail a spicy makeover with this jalapeno-infused version. Made with homemade spicy simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and silver tequila.
Spicy Simple Syrup ‣ 1 cup grapefruit juice ‣ 1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced ‣ 2 tablespoons lime juice ‣ 1 cup granulated sugar Spicy Rim Garnish (Optional) ‣ 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder ‣ 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt ‣ 1 teaspoon granulated sugar Spicy Paloma Cocktail ‣ 1 tablespoon lime juice, for decorating rim (optional) ‣ 3 ounces grapefruit juice ‣ 2 ounces silver tequila ‣ 1 ounce spicy simple syrup ‣ 2 ounces grapefruit soda ‣ grapefruit slices, for garnish (optional) ‣ lime slices, for garnish (optional) ‣ sliced jalapeno, for garnish (optional)
Prepare the Spicy Simple Syrup by bringing grapefruit juice, sliced jalapenos, and lime juice to a boil in a small saucepan. Whisk in the sugar until dissolved, then let the sauce simmer for a while. When done, strain the syrup into a cup or jar and discard any solids. Let the syrup cool completely before using.
Prepare the Spicy Rim Garnish by mixing together ancho chili powder, coarse sea salt, and sugar in a small bowl. Set it aside for now.
Place the Spicy Rim Garnish on a small plate (or in a bowl). Wet the rim of a short glass with lime juice, then dip the rim in the garnish, giving the glass a decorative coating along the rim.
Fill the glass halfway with ice. If you’d like, decorate it with slices of grapefruit or lime.
In a cocktail shaker full of ice, add the grapefruit juice, silver tequila, and Spicy Simple Syrup. Shake it up until combined.
Pour the cocktail mix into the prepared glass, then top it off with grapefruit soda.
Garnish the top with a few jalapeno slices.