I’ve been particularly smitten recently with the combination of grapefruit and jalapeño. A couple of weeks ago, I showed off this pairing with vodka and St. Germain. This week, it’s tequila and basil.
The Paloma cocktail in its simplest form is just tequila, grapefruit soda (usually Squirt) and a lime wedge for garnish. Here, I’m taking things to the next level with muddled jalapeño and basil, lime juice, simple syrup, fresh pressed grapefruit and fizzy water to finish. Small quantities of basil and jalapeño provide interesting notes of anise and spice while the tart freshness of grapefruit takes center stage.
I’ve partnered with Olmeca Altos Tequila on this cocktail, and their Altos Plata Tequila is a perfect pairing here. Bright, citrusy and fruity, Altos Plata is a smooth, silver tequila infused with the herbaceous aroma of cooked agave. The citric and herbal notes of the tequila compliment the grapefruit, basil and jalapeño, resulting in a damn tasty beverage. Continue reading for my Spicy Paloma recipe.
Palomas can be enjoyed year-round, but they’re especially delicious right now when citrus season is in full effect. In my previous grapefruit cocktail recipe, I featured the sweeter Oro Blanco varietal. Here, I’m using a local Ruby Red grapefruit that’s got a good balance of sweet and tart.
Freshly muddled jalapeño adds a nice hit of spice to this cocktail. Try not to go overboard with the spice though as it can overpower the nuanced flavors of the basil and tequila. Given that jalapeños can vary in heat, I would recommend you start with 1 to 2 thin slices of jalapeño. If the spice is a too mild or not noticeable, muddle an additional slice into your next beverage!
Spicy Paloma Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 basil leaves
- 1– 2 thin slices of jalapeño*
- 1 grapefruit wedge with skin
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup**
- 2 ounces Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila
- 3 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
- Chilled soda water, to top off
1 grapefruit wedge, for garnish
Instructions
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Place basil, jalapeño slice(s) and grapefruit wedge in a cocktail shaker, and gently muddle to release oils and flavors. Add lime juice, simple syrup, tequila, grapefruit juice and ice. Cap the shaker, and shake until well chilled. Strain into a tumbler filled with ice, then top off with soda water. Stir to combine. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Recipe Notes
* Jalapeño is used here to add subtle spice, so don’t go overboard with the heat. Jalapeños can vary in spice level, so start with just 1 to 2 thin slices. If you really can’t taste the heat, muddle in an additional slice in the next drink.
** Simple syrup is made by warming up equal parts sugar and water, and stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Recently I’ve been making this in the microwave! But you can also easily prepare on the stovetop.
This post was written in partnership with Olmeca Altos Tequila. All thoughts, opinions and recipes are my own. Connect with Olmeca Altos Tequila on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Averie @ Averie Cooks says
You are the second blog today I’ve seen who has an Altos post up. Must be the thing 🙂
You KNOW how much I love tequila and know that I could go to town on these palomas! Gorgeous Brandon!
Brandon Matzek says
I need to search around to see who else is posting! Thanks Averie 🙂
Jennifer Farley says
I love a spicy drink! This looks incredible.
Brandon Matzek says
Me too! Thanks Jen.
naomi says
LOVE this! And spicy cocktails always win over sweet ones for me, so I can’t wait tot try this!
Brandon Matzek says
I like fresh and/or spicy cocktails. The sweet ones just don’t do it for me anymore. Thanks Naomi 🙂
sippitysup says
I’m staring at a bottle of Altos as we speak! I hadn’t decided yet what to do with it. Thanks for the inspiration. GREG
Brandon Matzek says
Excellent!! Let me know what else you come up with.
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
It’s almost Friday..which means I will be sipping on a FEW of these cocktails! LOVE that you made it spicy!
Brandon Matzek says
Haha yes!! Thanks Taylor!
Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama says
These flavors! I have to make this soon.
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Carrie!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain says
Spicy cocktails are my jam! Also, congrats on going full time with blogging! I know you will rock it!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks so much Lauren :)!!
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
The grapefruit and jalapeno combo sounds like it’s got just the right kick! And the basil addition makes it feel so fresh for spring.
Brandon Matzek says
Thank Sarah!
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says
This looks like the ultimate Friday drink if I’ve ever seen one. Love the addition of jalapenos. I have yet to see some good jalapenos in my local produce stores, but I will be on the lookout 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Haha yes! Friday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. I could have this Paloma pretty much any day 😛 Thanks Cathleen!
Aida Mollenkamp says
Oh, the paloma is one of my ALL TIME fave cocktails. This sounds like such a good twist on it!
Brandon Matzek says
Me TOO! So simple, but so delicious. I’ve always loved grapefruit. It was a breakfast of choice when I was a kid 🙂
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
I simply MUST make this. For ME!! I love grapefruit and spice and tequila. Gorgeous!
Brandon Matzek says
Do it!!! Then let me know how you like it 🙂 Thanks Brenda!!
Sara @ Cake Over Steak says
When it comes to cocktails you are truly a man after my own heart! Love the sound of this. I don’t usually do spicy things, but lately I’ve been loving jalapeno in cocktails.
Brandon Matzek says
Awww thanks Sara :)!! Can’t wait to see your tequila cocktail coming up.
Vicky @ Avocado Pesto says
Sounds like an epic cocktail – anything with jalapenos + basil and I’ve in!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Vicky!!
[email protected] says
Another beautiful boozy beverage! Pinning for our Summer sunny days!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Fabiola!!
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
I’ve never tried a paloma and definitely not a spicy one; but this looks epic! Such a pretty colour too!
Brandon Matzek says
If you love grapefruit, you’ll love a paloma. Enjoy! Thanks Annie.