Paloma With Chili Powder Rim Cocktail
This spicy twist on the classic Paloma features a chili powder-salt rim, fresh grapefruit, and a hint of sweetness. Every sip balances tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors for a playful, refreshing cocktail.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring jigger
- Small plate
- Cocktail glass
- Highball glass
- Bar spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Strainer
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Ice cubes
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila or silver tequila
- 2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.25 oz simple syrup or agave nectar
- 3 oz grapefruit soda or soda water or club soda
- chili powder for rim
- kosher salt for rim
- 1 lime wedge for rimming glass
- grapefruit wedge optional garnish
- jalapeño slices optional garnish
- sugar optional rim mix
- sea salt optional rim mix
- ice cubes or crushed ice
Instructions
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Give it a quick shake to chill and blend.
- Strain into the rimmed glass.
- Top with grapefruit soda, soda water, or club soda for fizz.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Add a grapefruit wedge or jalapeño slice for garnish if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Blanco tequila brings a clean flavor; mezcal adds a smoky touch if you want. Sweetness is easy to adjust with more or less syrup or agave. Mixing chili powder with sea salt and even a pinch of sugar makes a fun rim—try it! If you don’t have grapefruit soda, just use more fresh juice and top with club soda.