The. Spicy. Paloma.
This drink is a perfect combo of sweet and spicy.
The Paloma: A Brief History
The Paloma, Spanish for “dove,” is one of Mexico’s most popular cocktails. Its origins are somewhat murky, but it’s often attributed to Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of La Capilla in Tequila, Mexico. Unlike the more internationally known Margarita, the Paloma has remained a relatively low-key favorite, cherished for its simplicity and refreshing taste. The combination of tequila with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit soda makes it a perfect drink for hot weather.
Spicing Up Tradition: The Spicy Paloma Cocktail
When it comes to refreshing cocktails, the Paloma stands out as a beloved favorite, especially among fans of tequila. This classic Mexican drink, traditionally made with tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime, offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors. But what if we gave this timeless classic a fiery twist? Enter the Spicy Paloma, a tantalizing variation that adds a kick to the already delightful mix. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of the Paloma, the ingredients and techniques needed to make a Spicy Paloma, and why this spicy twist is sure to become your new go-to cocktail.
Ingredients for a Spicy Paloma
Creating a Spicy Paloma requires just a few additional ingredients to the classic recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tequila: Choose a good-quality blanco or reposado tequila. The smooth, clean flavors of these tequilas work best with the citrusy and spicy notes.
- Grapefruit Soda: Traditional Palomas use a Mexican grapefruit soda like Jarritos or Squirt. You can also use fresh grapefruit juice and soda water for a more natural taste.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds the essential tanginess and brightens up the drink.
- Jalapeño Syrup: This syrup is made by muddling well-soaked Jalepeños in a pot, bringing them to a boil and adding 2 parts sugar, to one part of water.
- Sparkling Water: Top off this cocktail with some bubbles.
- Tajín: This chili-lime seasoning is perfect for rimming the glass, adding both flavor and a pop of color.
- Ice: Essential for a chilled, refreshing cocktail.
How to Make a Spicy Paloma
Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect Spicy Paloma:
- Prepare the Glass: Start by rimming your glass with a lime wedge and dipping it into Tajín. This adds an extra layer of flavor with every sip.
- Add Ingredients: Fill the shaker with ice, then add tequila, grapefruit soda (or fresh grapefruit juice and soda water), and Jalapeño syrup.
- Shake Well: Give it a good shake to mix all the ingredients thoroughly and chill the mixture.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a lime wheel for a vibrant presentation.
The Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 2 oz Jalepeño Simple Syrup
- 2 oz Tequila
- 4 oz Grapefruit Juice + Soda Water
Instructions:
- Jalapeño Simple Syrup:
- Allow Jalepeños to soak in water in a cold place for 24 hours
- Add soaked Jalepeños to a pot with one quart of water and bring to a boil
- Macerate Jalepeños
- Add 2 Quarts of Sugar and Bring to a Boil
- Strain Syrup, removing all seeds
- Add all ingredients to a Cocktail Shaker with Ice and Strain into a rimmed glass