Chili-Infused Paloma
A fiery take on the classic Paloma, blending tequila with grapefruit juice and a hint of chili for a zesty kick. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs tequila, grapefruit juice, chili syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 tequila
- 1.5 oz grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz chili syrup
- 1/2 oz lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a highball glass filled with ice, pour 2 oz tequila, 1.5 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, 1/2 oz chili syrup (made by blending 1/4 cup chili paste with 1/2 cup simple syrup), and 1/2 oz fresh lime juice.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine. Top with a splash of club soda for effervescence.
- Step 3: Garnish with a grapefruit wheel and a small chili pepper on the rim. Serve with a salted rim for added heat.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chili-Infused Paloma take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Chili-Infused Paloma?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tequila from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-Infused 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 Chili-Infused 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 Chili-Infused Paloma?
Cocktails quick meals 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.
