This traditional Mexican cocktail is made with fresh grapefruit juice and tequila. My version has a subtle kick of heat from a chili-infused simple syrup.
When I order cocktails I am always looking for something fizzy, slightly tart and not too sweet. Fresh herbs like mint are always a plus and I’m a huge fan of ginger or chilis to add a little spicy kick to balance the sweetness.
Most recently I decided to come up with a healthier version of the Paloma cocktail, a Mexican drink typically made with grapefruit soda such as Squirt or Jarritos. Instead of using store bought soda I decided to combine fresh grapefruit and lime juice with a chili-infused simple syrup. If you don’t want this to be spicy, simply omit the chilis. Ginger would be a great alternative as well.
To bring all the flavors together I like to rim the glass with a combination of coarse Kosher salt and sugar. The subtle sweetness from the grapefruit juice, tartness from the lime juice and spicy-sweet simple syrup create the ultimate well-balanced cocktail. Tequila is used traditionally but gin or vodka would work too.
Your straw is waiting.
This traditional Mexican cocktail made with fresh grapefruit juice and tequila is given a spicy kick from a chili-infused simple syrup.
- 8 ounces tequila
- 1 cup fresh pink grapefruit juice roughly two juiced
- 1/4 cup lime juice roughly one juiced
- 12 ounces club soda
- additional lime and grapefruit slices optional garnish
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 fresno chili thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons Kosher salt
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Start by preparing the Chili-Infused Simple Syrup. Place the sugar and water in a small sauce pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Add chili slices and remove from heat. Let chilis steep in simple syrup until syrup is cooled. Drain then refrigerate for up to 5 days. Note: If you need the syrup sooner, place in the freezer to quickly bring down the temp before draining the chilis.
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When you're ready to make the cocktail, place the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and chili-infused simple syrup in a large pitcher and stir well. Place the sugar and salt for the rub on a small plate and mix with a fork to combine. Run a lime wedge along the rim of each glass then carefully dip the glasses into the sugar-salt rub until coated.
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Fill the cocktail glasses with ice and pour mixture until 3/4 full. Top off each glass with club soda and fruit garnish to serve.
Photography by Alejandro Photography // Recipe by The Lemon Bowl
Check out more of my drink recipes on my Pinterest board!
Connie
You totally had me at tequila but add spiciness, whoa! Can’t wait to try this! I love spicy drinks.
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it Connie!