Citrus Paloma with Grapefruit and Jalapeño
A refreshing and lively Paloma cocktail featuring fresh grapefruit juice with a subtle spicy kick from jalapeño, balanced by tequila and sparkling soda. This cocktails-inspired mexican ready in about 8 minutes pairs tequila blanco, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 170 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 blanco
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 3 thin slices jalapeño slices
- 0.5 oz agave nectar
- 2 oz club soda
- for rimming coarse salt
- as needed ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rim a highball glass with fresh lime juice and dip it into coarse salt; set aside.
- Step 2: In a shaker, muddle 3 thin jalapeño slices with 0.5 oz agave nectar to release heat.
- Step 3: Add 2 oz tequila blanco, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice to the shaker filled halfway with ice cubes.
- Step 4: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until cold and well mixed.
- Step 5: Strain into the prepared highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 6: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently once to incorporate.
- Step 7: Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a thin jalapeño slice on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus Paloma with Grapefruit and Jalapeño take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Citrus Paloma with Grapefruit and Jalapeño?
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 blanco from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus Paloma with Grapefruit and Jalapeño?
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 Citrus Paloma with Grapefruit and Jalapeño 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 Citrus Paloma with Grapefruit and Jalapeño?
Cocktails mexican 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.
