Paloma Picante Cocktail Recipe Guide

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Paloma Picante

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Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, glass (highball or Collins), citrus juicer (optional)

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• 2 oz blanco tequila
• ½ oz lime juice freshly squeezed
• Pinch of chili powder optional, for an extra kick
• ½ oz agave syrup or to taste
• 3 oz grapefruit soda sugar-free options available
• 2-3 slices of fresh jalapeño or chili pepper adjust for heat preference
• Coarse salt for rimming optional
• Ice enough to fill a glass
• Lime wedge and jalapeño slices for garnish

Instructions

 

• Method:
• Step 1: Rim the Glass (Optional)
• To start, if you enjoy a salty rim, rub a lime wedge around the edge of your glass, then dip it into a plate of coarse salt. This adds an extra burst of flavor with each sip.
• Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
• In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of blanco tequila, ½ oz of fresh lime juice, a pinch of chili powder, and ½ oz of agave syrup. The chili powder gives it a slight heat, but you can omit it if you prefer your Paloma less spicy. Add the jalapeño slices for that extra spiciness. Fill the shaker with ice.
• Step 3: Shake It Up
• Shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds, ensuring everything mixes well, and the flavors combine.
• Step 4: Strain and Serve
• Strain the mixture into a highball or Collins glass filled with ice. Top it off with 3 oz of grapefruit soda. You can use sugar-free soda for a lighter option or swap it with fresh grapefruit juice and soda water for a more natural flavor.
• Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
• Garnish with a lime wedge and extra jalapeño slices if you want more heat. Let the drink stand for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
• Variations & Substitutions:
• Milder Version: If the spiciness is too intense, reduce the amount of jalapeño or omit it altogether. You can also swap chili powder for a dash of smoked paprika to give it a subtle warmth without the heat.
• Sugar-Free Option: Opt for a sugar-free grapefruit soda and skip the agave syrup for a low-calorie version.
• Dietary Needs: For vegans, ensure your sugar or agave syrup is plant-based (most agave syrup is vegan-friendly). Gluten-free drinkers can rest assured that most tequilas are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label.
• Mocktail Version: Skip the tequila and increase the grapefruit soda or juice for a refreshing, non-alcoholic spicy Paloma. You can still add the jalapeño for a spicy kick.

Keyword Cocktail, Paloma Picante

If you’re a fan of zesty, spicy drinks, the Paloma Picante is a must-try. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Paloma, blending tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime with a spicy kick. Let me show you how I make this vibrant cocktail, which is perfect for anyone looking to turn up the heat in their drink. Based on my overall experience, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for parties or a relaxing evening drink.

Notes on What to Expect:

From my own personal experience, the Paloma Picante offers a perfect balance of citrusy sweetness from the grapefruit soda, a zesty bite from the lime, and a lingering warmth from the jalapeño. It’s refreshing yet bold, and it pairs beautifully with Mexican dishes like tacos, guacamole, or spicy ceviche. The spiciness is customizable, so you can adjust it based on your preference. Expect a smooth, flavorful drink that’s sure to impress.

Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Time to Stand: 1 minute (to let flavors meld)
• Total Time: 6 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Beginner-friendly
• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 180-220 calories (depending on soda and tequila)
• Cost of Ingredients: $$ (Moderate)
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Course: Cocktail
• Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, glass (highball or Collins), citrus juicer (optional)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a flavorful ##Paloma Picante  now.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz blanco tequila
• ½ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Pinch of chili powder (optional, for an extra kick)
• ½ oz agave syrup (or to taste)
• 3 oz grapefruit soda (sugar-free options available)
• 2-3 slices of fresh jalapeño or chili pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• Coarse salt for rimming (optional)
• Ice (enough to fill a glass)
• Lime wedge and jalapeño slices for garnish
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a flavorful ##Paloma Picante  now.

Method:

Step 1: Rim the Glass (Optional)

To start, if you enjoy a salty rim, rub a lime wedge around the edge of your glass, then dip it into a plate of coarse salt. This adds an extra burst of flavor with each sip.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of blanco tequila, ½ oz of fresh lime juice, a pinch of chili powder, and ½ oz of agave syrup. The chili powder gives it a slight heat, but you can omit it if you prefer your Paloma less spicy. Add the jalapeño slices for that extra spiciness. Fill the shaker with ice.

Step 3: Shake It Up

Shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds, ensuring everything mixes well, and the flavors combine.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Strain the mixture into a highball or Collins glass filled with ice. Top it off with 3 oz of grapefruit soda. You can use sugar-free soda for a lighter option or swap it with fresh grapefruit juice and soda water for a more natural flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Garnish with a lime wedge and extra jalapeño slices if you want more heat. Let the drink stand for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.

Variations & Substitutions:

• Milder Version: If the spiciness is too intense, reduce the amount of jalapeño or omit it altogether. You can also swap chili powder for a dash of smoked paprika to give it a subtle warmth without the heat.
• Sugar-Free Option: Opt for a sugar-free grapefruit soda and skip the agave syrup for a low-calorie version.
• Dietary Needs: For vegans, ensure your sugar or agave syrup is plant-based (most agave syrup is vegan-friendly). Gluten-free drinkers can rest assured that most tequilas are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label.
• Mocktail Version: Skip the tequila and increase the grapefruit soda or juice for a refreshing, non-alcoholic spicy Paloma. You can still add the jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a flavorful ##Paloma Picante  now.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 180-220 (depending on soda and tequila)
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g (soda and agave syrup)
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 5mg

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Too Spicy? If you find the cocktail too spicy, reduce the amount of jalapeño or use a milder pepper. Adding more grapefruit soda or ice can also tone down the heat.
• Too Sweet? If the drink feels too sweet, cut back on the agave syrup or add a bit more lime juice for balance.
• Flavor Too Strong? If the flavors are overpowering, let the drink sit for a minute or two longer to allow the ingredients to settle. You can also dilute it with a little soda water to lighten it up.

Final Thoughts

The Paloma Picante is one of those cocktails that’s not only fun to make but also incredibly versatile. You can tweak the sweetness, spice level, or even turn it into a mocktail, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. It pairs well with spicy and savory dishes, making it perfect for a fiesta! Let me show you how I make it, and soon, you’ll have your own twist on this classic. Cheers!