Spicy Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail Recipe

Name: Spicy Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 cocktails
Cuisine: Global
Ingredients: 3 oz tequila; 1/4 cup sparkling water; 1 tbsp chili honey; Spicy Rim Salt (chili powder + salt mix); 2 grapefruit wedges (rolled in spice)

The Ultimate Refreshing & Spicy Paloma

Our Spicy Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail Recipe is a crisp and refreshing cocktail with a spicy twist, perfect for the winter-to-spring transition. Whether you love sweet, sour, or spicy flavors, this drink delivers a balanced blend of all three, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

A bold and zesty Spicy Grapefruit Paloma served in a chili-rimmed glass, garnished with a spiced grapefruit wedge and a large ice cube, placed on a rustic tray with fresh grapefruit slices and a copper jigger.

What is a Spicy Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail?

We love spicy everything, including cocktails! A spicy cocktail might sound unusual at first, but the combination of heat, sweetness, and tangy citrus creates an exciting, well-rounded drink. The warmth from the spice blends perfectly with the natural sweetness of honey and grapefruit, creating an incredible tantalizing sensation in every sip.

So, how did we come up with this recipe? We were out for dinner one evening when our server mistakenly brought us the wrong drinks. Instead of a classic Caesar and a Gin & Tonic, we were served a bright orange-pink cocktail in a short glass. Intrigued, we took a sip and immediately fell in love with its spicy, citrusy, and smooth tequila-forward flavor.

By the time dinner was over, I was itching to get home and experiment with a version of this inspired drink. While I wasn’t looking to replicate it exactly, I wanted to create a bold, fiery Paloma variation that combined the best elements of that first unexpected sip.

A refreshing Spicy Grapefruit Paloma being poured into a chili-salt-rimmed glass, featuring a large ice cube and a vibrant grapefruit wedge, with citrus slices and a copper jigger in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

✔ A refreshing mix of sweet, sour, and spicy

✔ Easy to make in just 10 minutes

✔ Perfect for warm weather entertaining

✔ Pairs beautifully with Mexican and grilled dishes

✔ Low-calorie when made with sparkling water

Best occasions to serve it:

Summer cookouts
Pool parties
Birthdays & celebrations
Bridal showers
Casual evenings at home

Spicy Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail Ingredients

Essential Ingredients:

3 oz Tequila – Silver tequila (like Patrón Silver) works best for a crisp, clean taste.
1/4 cup Sparkling Water – We used Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit Water for natural grapefruit flavor.
1 tbsp Chili Honey – We used Hot Raw Honey Infused with Chilis from Drizzle. If unavailable, mix crushed chilies into honey.

Garnishes & Seasoning:

Spicy Rim Salt – A mix of chili powder and Walter Craft Caesar Rim Salt (made with flake salt, cane sugar, and smoked paprika).
2 Grapefruit Wedges – Rolled in spice for an extra kick.

A close-up of a Spicy Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail, highlighting the chili-rimmed glass, a large ice cube, and a juicy grapefruit wedge, with a rustic tray and scattered citrus slices.

How to Make a Spicy Grapefruit Paloma

Step 1: Prep the Base

Combine tequila and chili honey in a bowl, stir until dissolved.
Chill in the fridge while preparing the glass.

Step 2: Prepare the Rim & Garnish

Rub a piece of fresh grapefruit along the rim of the glass.
Coat the rim with spiced seasoning.
Roll two grapefruit wedges in the remaining seasoning and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Cocktail

Add honey-tequila mixture, ice, and a dash of spice seasoning to a cocktail shaker.
Shake until chilled.

Step 4: Serve & Garnish

Divide the chilled cocktail mixture evenly between two glasses filled with ice.
Top each glass with a splash of sparkling grapefruit soda.
Garnish with spiced grapefruit wedges.

A chilled Spicy Grapefruit Paloma, served with a spiced grapefruit wedge and a thick ice cube in a chili-salt-rimmed glass, sitting on a rustic tray with a copper jigger and fresh grapefruit slices.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 Cocktails
Yield: 2 Glasses
Storage: Best served fresh

FAQs About Spicy Grapefruit Palomas

Can I Use a Different Type of Tequila?

Yes! Gold and aged tequila will add depth, but silver tequila keeps it light and crisp.

What If I Don’t Have Chili Honey?

You can make your own by mixing honey with crushed chili flakes and letting it infuse.

Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version?

Yes! Replace tequila with sparkling water or grapefruit juice for a refreshing mocktail.

How Can I Make It Spicier?

Add a few jalapeño slices to the shaker for an extra fiery kick.

Final Thoughts: Your Go-To Spicy Paloma Recipe

If you're looking for a unique, refreshing cocktail with the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy, this Spicy Grapefruit Paloma is a must-try. Whether you're hosting friends or just treating yourself, this quick and easy cocktail will be a guaranteed hit!