Spiced Texan Paloma with Smoked Jalapeño

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Paloma with a spicy kick from smoked jalapeño syrup, balanced by fresh grapefruit and tequila, evoking the heart of San Antonio. This cocktails-inspired mexican ready in about 6 minutes pairs reposado tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, smoked jalapeño syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 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.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a tall Collins glass with ice cubes to the top.
  2. Step 2: Pour 2 oz reposado tequila, 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 3/4 oz smoked jalapeño syrup, and 1/2 oz fresh lime juice into a shaker filled halfway with ice.
  3. Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
  4. Step 4: Strain the mixture into the prepared Collins glass.
  5. Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda gently to preserve fizz.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with a grapefruit wedge on the rim and a thin smoked jalapeño slice floated on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Texan Paloma with Smoked Jalapeño take to make?

Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Spiced Texan Paloma with Smoked 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 reposado tequila from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Texan Paloma with Smoked 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 Spiced Texan Paloma with Smoked 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 Spiced Texan Paloma with Smoked 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.