Zero-Safe Jalapeño Paloma

medinews January 31, 2021

165 2 minutes read

This Zero-Proof Jalapeño Paloma is the perfect grapefruit cocktail when you're drinking less alcohol or doing a dry challenge but want an adult drink.

Zero-Safe Jalapeño Paloma

These zero-proof palomas skip the tequila and add a messed up jalapeño to spice up the classic. This virgin paloma is then rounded off with fresh grapefruit and lime juices and mineral water for a refreshing drink without alcohol. It's ideal when you want something more exciting than water without a ton of added sugar. For more cocktail recipes, try my Nojito (a mojito without rum) and Virgin Bloody Mary.

What are palm trees made of?

A traditional paloma consists of grapefruit soda, lime juice, and tequila for a sour and sweet drink. I used fresh grapefruit juice and mineral water in this cocktail because it is lighter and less sweet than grapefruit soda. It also goes great with grapefruit sparkling water like LaCroix. If you want to add tequila, use two ounces of blanco or reposado tequila.

What is a Spicy Paloma?

Jalapenos have a spicy paloma, which I mix with agave syrup and water to give it more kick.

There are three ways to add flavor to this drink:

Leave more seeds and pulp in the jalapeño before messing it up.
Let the messed jalapeño and agave mix sit for 15 minutes.
Swap the jalapeño for a serrano pepper.

And if you prefer your paloma without the spice, skip the jalapeno entirely.

How to make a large amount of palomas

This Paloma recipe makes an 8 ounce drink, but it can also be easily multiplied and pre-filled. It could even be made in a very large format jug.

Simply mix the jalapeños, agave, and water in a larger glass or cocktail shaker.
Add the lime and grapefruit juices.
Distribute evenly over the glasses and fill up with soda just before serving.

More cocktail recipes you'll love:

Zero-proof Jalapeno Paloma

66 Cals 0.5 protein 17th carbohydrates Fats

Preparation time: 5 min

Cooking time: 0 min

Total time: 5 min

Zero-Proof Jalapeno Paloma is the perfect grapefruit cocktail when you're drinking less alcohol or tackling a dry challenge but want an adult drink.

1/4 Jalapeno
1/2 tablespoon Agave syrup
1 1/2 TL water
Juice from 1/2 red or pink grapefruit, about 1/3 cup
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Sparkling water or grapefruit lacroix top
1 Grapefruit wedge for serving
Optional: sea salt, kosher salt or tajin seasoning for the edge

If you like salt on your brim, add a few tablespoons to a wide, shallow bowl. Add half of the grapefruit to the bowl and stir. This is enough to salt several cocktails, and you can keep the leftovers in a ziploc for a day or two.
Chop the jalapeno (leave the seeds and pulp a little bit spicier; remove milder) and add to a cocktail shaker or stiff glass together with the agave syrup. Use a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon to confuse the jalapenos (basically, gently mash them to release the flavor and infuse the syrup), then add the grapefruit and lime juices. Let it steep for at least 15 minutes for a more flavorful drink.
When salting your glass, use a paring knife to cut a small slit in the grapefruit wedge and rub it along the edge to moisten it. Then roll it in the salt until coated. Gently tap away any excess material.
Fill the glass with ice and pour in the cocktail, jalapenos and everything. Top with sparkling water, 1/3 to 1/2 cup or to taste. Serve with the grapefruit wedge.

Portion: 1drink, Calories: 66kcal, Carbohydrates: 17thG, Protein: 0.5G, Cholesterol: 16mg, Sodium: 1mg, Sugar: 14thG