Description
A vibrant and spicy twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, featuring a homemade serrano pepper syrup that perfectly balances the sweet pineapple and tangy grapefruit juices for a refreshingly bold drink.
Ingredients
Scale
Syrup Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 serrano peppers, halved
Cocktail Ingredients
- Salt, for rimming the glass
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ oz spicy serrano syrup (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Make the Spicy Serrano Syrup: Combine the water and granulated sugar in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Add the halved serrano peppers into the mixture to prepare for infusion.
- Simmer Syrup: Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar completely. This process should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Steep Peppers: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the serrano peppers steep in the syrup for at least 10 minutes to infuse their spicy flavor. After steeping, strain out the peppers and discard them.
- Store Syrup: Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The syrup will keep for up to one week, sufficient for several cocktail servings.
- Prepare Glass: Rim your serving glass with salt and fill it with ice to chill the glass while you mix the cocktail.
- Mix Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the silver tequila, pineapple juice, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, lime juice, and spicy serrano syrup. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to blend and chill the ingredients thoroughly.
- Serve: Pour the mixed cocktail into the salt-rimmed glass over fresh ice. Garnish with slices of grapefruit, lime, or a pineapple wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- The spicy serrano syrup can be adjusted in heat by adding more or fewer peppers according to your preference.
- For best flavor, use freshly squeezed juices.
- The syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Salt rim adds a classic Paloma touch but can be omitted if preferred.
- Garnishes like grapefruit, lime slices, or pineapple wedge enhance presentation and complement flavors.
