Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Paloma
A smoky, spicy take on the classic Paloma featuring charred pineapple and fresh jalapeño for a refreshing kick. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together blanco tequila, charred pineapple juice, fresh grapefruit juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 1 oz charred pineapple juice
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- 2 slices jalapeño slices
- for rim coarse salt
Instructions
- Step 1: To char pineapple, grill a 2-inch fresh pineapple chunk over medium-high heat until deeply caramelized (about 3 minutes per side). Let cool and juice it, measuring 1 oz.
- Step 2: Rub the rim of a highball glass with a lime wedge and dip into coarse salt to coat. Fill the glass with large ice cubes.
- Step 3: In a shaker filled halfway with ice, muddle 2 fresh jalapeño slices gently (to release flavor without too much heat).
- Step 4: Add 2 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz charred pineapple juice, 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz agave syrup. Shake vigorously for 12 seconds.
- Step 5: Strain into the prepared glass over the ice.
- Step 6: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 7: Garnish with a thin wheel of grilled pineapple and a fresh jalapeño slice skewered on a pick.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Paloma take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Paloma?
Refrigerate any leftover charred pineapple and jalapeño paloma in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Paloma?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Paloma for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Paloma?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
