If you love spicy cocktails, this smoked Rosemary Paloma will be your new obsession. Spicy jalapeño and rosemary simple syrup, tequila, grapefruit juice and grapefruit soda make a killer combination for Halloween. Burnt Rosemary gives a smokey finish to this drink.
Spicy Smoked Rosemary Paloma
When it comes to making cocktails, I love the flavors of jalapeño and tequila together. In fact my Spicy Margarita is one of my favorite drinks to make anytime I have a margarita craving. Palomas on the other hand are such a tasty and refreshing tequila cocktail and I'm spicing things up with this smokey version.
Ingredients in a Spicy Rosemary Paloma
- Tequila - I recommend using Reposado Tequila for this drink. You can also substitute Mezcal if you like even more smokey flavor!
- Grapefruit Juice - You can find ruby red grapefruit juice at most grocery stores.
- Grapefruit soda - This is classic in a Paloma to give a slight bubbly finish to the drink.
- Jalapeño Rosemary Syrup - recipe card at the end of the post!
How to Make a Paloma
- In a glass filled with ice, add tequila, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice.
- Give it all a stir and top with a splash of grapefruit soda.
- Garnish with slices of jalapeño and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
- Just before serving, light the tip of the rosemary garnish on fire for a smokey finish. This is optional but it's a fun final touch.
Jalapeño and Rosemary Simple Syrup
This simple syrup is SPICY so proceed with caution. In a sauce pan combine sugar, water, a few sprigs of charred rosemary, and sliced jalapeño. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool and steep. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator until ready to use.
To "burn" the rosemary for the simple syrup, carefully (using tongs) hover rosemary over a gas burner, until the leaves char and smoke. Immediately while still smoking place sprigs into the sugar and water mixture.
I love this drink because it's lighter and more refreshing than most cocktails but also brings the heat from the spicy simple syrup. You can up the smokey flavor by using a cocktail smoker or by substituting Mezcal for Tequila. Either way this drink is fabulously delicious.
More Tequila Drinks to Make
- Frozen Honey Apple Cider Margarita
- Chili Pomegranate Margarita
- Coconut Blood Orange Margarita
- Spicy Margarita
- Pumpkin Spice Margarita
- Spicy Mango Jalapeno Margarita
- Witches Brew Blackberry Margaritas
Spicy Smoked Rosemary Paloma
A spicy Paloma with jalapeño and rosemary simple syrup.
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 2 oz Reposado Tequila
- 1 oz Jalapeño Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 3 oz Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
- Splash of Grapefruit Soda
Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 sprigs rosemary, burnt
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
Instructions
- In a sauce pan, combine sugar and water. Char the rosemary over an open flame and place directly into the sugar and water along with the sliced jalapeño.
- Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and allow to steep and cool completely.
- In a cocktail glass with ice, combine tequila, simple syrup and grapefruit juice. Stir to combine.
- Top with soda and garnish with fresh sliced jalapeño, a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of charred rosemary.
Kate Ring says
Are you supposed to strain the jalapeños and rosemary out of the syrup before you add it to the cocktail?
Leah Bergman says
Yes, I strain out the jalapeno and rosemary before adding to the drinks. However I personally like to keep it in the jar so that the syrup gets as much flavor as possible.
Jacqui says
Where are those skull glasses from!? So cute!
Leah Bergman says
They are from William Sonoma!