I love to use fresh fruit in a homemade cocktail. It really gives it that extra bit of refreshing deliciousness. This recipe actually calls for frwsh watermelon AND fresh jalapeño so it is extra nice. Making a Spicy Watermelon Paloma is so easy and you are reallg going to enjoy it.

Did you know the Paloma is the national drink of Mexico? The traditional cocktail is made of white tequila, lime juice and Grapefruit soda (like Squirt or Fresca or Jarritos) served over ice with a salted rim. Lots of different variations have been seen over the years by adding some heat, or fresh fruit. Some fancier spots will even “make” Grapefruit soda by mixing fresh Grapefruit, agave syrup and club soda.
Substitutes and Variations:
You can use more or less jalapeno to manage the spice level of this beverage. If you do not want it too spicy remove the seeds from the pepper and/or do not muddle them when preparing the beverage. I like to use the classic white or Blanco tequila – but you can use gold tequila as well. If you want less sweetness you can use Grapefruit sparkling water instead of Grapefruit soda.
Suggestions for Sides:
Obviously a Paloma is great paired with most Mexican dishes. It is especially good with dishes that are grilled or have lots of creaminess to them. So Carne asada is wonderful as well as Enchiladas Suizas.
Tools that may make this recipe easier:
You will need highball sized cocktail glasses for this drink. A pint mason jar also works great and gives a rustic at home appeal. You will also need some sort of muddle stick to smash the watermelon and jalapeños. And of course you need something to measure each ingredient like a shot glass or bartender’s Japanese Jigger.
Now Let’s Get Cookin’!
Spicy Watermelon Paloma
Ingredients
- 1 part Lime Juice ounce or cup
- 2 part Blanco Tequila ounce or cup
- 4 part Grapefruit Soda ounce or cup (like Squirt)
- ¼ cup Fresh Cubed Watermelon per beverage
- 2-3 slices Fresh Jalapeno per beverage
- Ice
Instructions
- This recipe either makes one drink (using ounces) or a pitcher of 8(ish) drinks (using cups).
- In a high ball glass, add watermelon, lime juice and jalapeno slices. Muddle together until most of the watermelon is liquid. Add tequila.
- Top with ice to fill the glass. Then pour over grapefruit soda. Stir gently and top with a slice of jalapeno and a cube of watermelon.
I love to link up my posts to lots of blogs around the internet – check out this Ultimate Handy Linky Party List to find some of the places I share to!
Estelle Forrest self-published this cookbook after a lot of playing around in the kitchen. You can purchase your own copy here:
AVAILABLE IN PRINT OR KINDLE eBOOK VERSIONS
Don’t miss new recipes from Homemade on a Weeknight – subscribe and get an email with every new post!
oh this sounds really nice! I would love it if you could join me for this month’s Sharing Serenity link party at https://serenityyou.com/sharing-serenity-link-party-july-2026/