Spiced Apple Paloma
A festive twist on a classic paloma, this fall-inspired cocktail blends fresh grapefruit, apple, warming cinnamon syrup, and smooth reposado tequila. It’s the perfect seasonal drink for Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy autumn nights.
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
SERVINGS: 1
INGREDIENTS
1 grapefruit
1 apple
½ oz cinnamon syrup
2 oz reposado tequila
¾ oz grapefruit juice
½ oz fresh lime juice
Sparkling apple juice
Cinnamon sugar
Kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Wash and dry the grapefruit and apple. Cut a small wedge from the grapefruit for rimming the glass. Cut thin apple slices for garnish and set aside.
Mix equal parts cinnamon sugar and kosher salt on a small plate. Brush the rim of a highball glass with a small amount of simple syrup or run the grapefruit wedge around the rim. Dip the rim into the cinnamon-salt mixture.
Fill the prepared glass halfway with ice.
In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, combine the reposado tequila, cinnamon syrup, grapefruit juice, and lime juice.
Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
Top with sparkling apple juice.
Garnish with apple slices and a small wedge of grapefruit. Serve immediately.
Storing Leftovers
Fresh citrus juice and apple slices are best used immediately.
Shakeable cocktail base (everything except sparkling apple juice) may be refrigerated up to 24 hours in an airtight container. Shake with ice just before serving.
Do not store a pre-mixed drink with sparkling apple juice, as it will lose carbonation.
Ingredient Substitutions
Cinnamon syrup: Use simple syrup plus a pinch of ground cinnamon.
Reposado tequila: Swap with blanco tequila for a brighter flavor or bourbon for a fall-inspired twist.
Sparkling apple juice: Substitute sparkling cider or club soda with 1 oz apple juice.
Grapefruit juice: Bottled, no-sugar-added juice works when fresh isn’t available.
Disclaimer
Contains alcohol. For adults of legal drinking age only.