This Spicy Ginger Paloma has lots of fiery spice from jalapeno, a kick from the ginger beer, plenty of tartness from lime and grapefruit juice, and just a touch of sweetness to balance it out.
I love a spicy cocktail, especially when there is tequila involved. There is just something about that extra kick that balances out the bite of the tequila for a pairing that is super bright and refreshing. This Spicy Ginger Paloma is extra spicy with a good kick from jalapeno simple syrup. The ginger beer takes the spice up to the next level, and the agave from the simple syrup and tart lime and grapefruit help balance out the heat.
As I sit here posting yet another tequila cocktail recipe, looking through some of my previous posts, it is not lost on me that nearly all of my cocktail recipes lately have been margaritas or some other tequila based cocktail. I would apologize, but honestly I have just really been feeling the tequila lately. And these Jalapeno Ginger Palomas don’t disappoint.
How Do You Make a Spicy Ginger Paloma?
This Spicy Ginger Paloma definitely brings the heat, but it is also a refreshing drink thanks to the tart grapefruit and bubbly ginger beer. It is perfect for sipping on a warm, sunny afternoon or after a day by the beach or pool. But with the spicy ginger flavor, this cocktail would also transition well into the cooler weather as fall starts to come our way.
To make this spicy cocktail, you need just a coupe of ingredients:
- Jalapeno Simple Syrup: Made with some sliced jalapeno, water, and agave (or sugar), this simple syrup is spicy and sweet.
- Silver Tequila:Silver or blanco tequila lets the flavors shine through without overpowering.
- Fresh Lime Juice: The bottled stuff just doesn’t compare, so squeeze a fresh lime for this one.
- Grapefruit Juice: You can squeeze this fresh or use a good, high quality grapefruit juice. We usually use Simply brand.
- Ginger Beer: The ginger beer adds bubbles and gingery bite.
Feel free to garnish your Spicy Ginger Paloma with a couple of extra jalapeno slices to make it a little extra spicy. This would also be amazing with a Tajin coated rim, like I did with these Easy Pineapple Margaritas by the Pitcher.
Looking for More Fiery Cocktail Recipes?
Here are some other spicy cocktails for you to check out
- Spicy Cucumber Coconut Water Margarita – Even those who don’t love cucumber or coconut water will love this spicy and refreshing margarita.
- Spicy Blood Orange Margarita – Made with a jalapeno orange simple syrup and fresh blood orange juice, these fresh margaritas are as pretty as they are tasty.
- Easy Pineapple Margarita Pitcher – These aren’t too spicy on their own, but when paired with a Tajin coated rim, it adds a little kick. You can also add a couple of jalapeno slices in to the pitcher to kick things up.
Spicy Ginger Paloma
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 2 oz grapefruit juice
- ½ lime (juiced)
- 3 oz ginger beer
- ½ - 1 oz jalapeno simple syrup (more or less depending on taste)
Jalapeno Simple Syrup
- 1 jalapeno
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup agave syrup
Instructions
- To make the jalapeno simple syrup, add water and agave syrup to a small pot. Slice jalapeno either in half long ways and remove the seeds (if you want it less spicy), or slice into about ¼ - ½ inch rounds (this will be spicier). Add jalapeno to pot, bring to boil, and simmer 2-3 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside to cool. Refrigerate until ready to use. You can keep the jalapeno slices in, and it will continue to infuse with flavor or remove if you are worried about it getting too spicy.
- To make the cocktail, measure ingredients in a glass (rimmed with salt or Tajin, if desired). Gently stir to mix, and top with lots of ice. Taste and add additional simple syrup or lime juice if desired.