How to control the heat

For mild, use one jalapeno slice with seeds removed, or skip the muddle and rely on the Tajin rim. For hot, muddle three slices with seeds. New to spicy cocktails? Do a taste test and add more agave or grapefruit to tame the burn.

Fresh juice vs grapefruit soda

A traditional paloma often uses grapefruit soda like Squirt or Jarritos. This version uses fresh grapefruit juice plus club soda so you control the sweetness. Prefer the classic shortcut? Skip the agave and top with grapefruit soda instead.

Best tequila for a paloma

A blanco keeps it crisp; here the tamarind-infused Don Ramon plata adds a sweet-sour depth that plays off the grapefruit. Reposado works for a rounder, oaked version. For smoke, swap in mezcal.

Pitcher paloma for a crowd

Multiply the tequila, grapefruit, lime, and agave by six in a pitcher, add jalapeno slices to infuse, and top each glass with club soda to order so it stays fizzy. Rim the glasses ahead of time.