Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail

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. 

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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.

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Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail

This traditional Mexican cocktail made with fresh grapefruit juice and tequila is given a spicy kick from a chili-infused simple syrup. 

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Cocktail, Drink

Cuisine: American

Keyword: alcohol

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4 cocktails

Calories: 228kcal

Author: Liz DellaCroce

Ingredients

• 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

Chili-Infused Simple Syrup

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 fresno chili thinly sliced

Sugar Salt Rim

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons Kosher salt

Instructions

• 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. 
• 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.
• 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. 

Nutrition Facts

Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail

Amount Per Serving (1 glass)

Calories 228 Calories from Fat 1

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0.1g 0%

Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g

Sodium 1mg 0%

Total Carbohydrates 23g 8%

Dietary Fiber 0.1g 0%

Sugars 12.9g

Protein 0.6g 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Photography by Alejandro Photography // Recipe by The Lemon Bowl

Check out more of my drink recipes on my Pinterest board!