Description
This Spicy Strawberry Paloma mocktail offers a delightful blend of sweet strawberries, zesty lime, and a kick of jalapeño, making it a perfect refreshing drink for summer gatherings. Enjoy it chilled with a splash of sparkling water for a bubbly finish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup (or honey, if preferred)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 cup grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Salt for rimming the glasses (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Hull them by removing the green tops and slicing them into quarters.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and agave syrup. Use a fork or muddler to gently mash the strawberries to release their juices.
- Slice the jalapeño pepper thinly. If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds and white pith. Add the jalapeño slices to the strawberry mixture and stir. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Roll the lime on the countertop to release the juices. Cut it in half and extract the juice using a citrus juicer or your hands, aiming for about 2 tablespoons.
- Set the lime juice aside.
- In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry-jalapeño mixture with the lime juice and grapefruit juice. Stir well.
- Let the mixture sit for another 5-10 minutes to deepen the flavors. Strain if you prefer a milder mocktail.
- To rim the glasses with salt, run a lime wedge around the rim and dip it into a plate of salt for an even coating.
- Fill each glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the strawberry-jalapeño mixture over the ice, filling each glass about two-thirds full. Use a fine mesh strainer if desired.
- Top off each glass with sparkling water or club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves and optionally a slice of lime or a whole strawberry.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your spice preference.
- For a sweeter drink, increase the amount of agave syrup or honey.
- This mocktail is best served fresh but can be prepared in advance; just add the sparkling water right before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes