These Spiced Blood Orange Palomas are a refreshing, but still cozy holiday cocktail! The simple syrup is infused with star anise and cinnamon, and the palomas are filled with tequila, fresh blood orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a little soda water for some bubbles! For a little extra spice, the rim is made with margarita salt, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves!
Festive cocktails are among my favorite thing to make – and to photograph! I’ve really had so much fun this season developing new holiday-themed treats and drinks. I love this time of year for so many reasons, but food, drink, and the ability to share it with others is something that always lights me up more than anything.
These palomas are so darn good. The spiced simple syrup is such an amazing compliment to the citrusy flavors, and the salty sugar spiced rim just adds to the overall “cozy” holiday feel to these drinks.
And you’re probably thinking “how is a citrusy cold drink cozy?!”
But it really is!
The simple syrup has such a spice to it, and it just makes the drinks feel all festive and cozy! It’s the best.
And if you’re making this for guests, you can absolutely make the simple syrup ahead of time, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready. You can also make these pitcher style, and just measure all the quantities of everything you need and add them to the pitcher, then just add crushed ice when you’re ready to serve!
I’m such a tequila lover through and through, so margaritas and palomas are always my top choice. But they’re always thought of as such summery drinks, which is why I wanted to make a winter version!
Also. These winter citrus margaritas are probably my favorite drink I’ve ever made. You HAVE to make them if you haven’t yet! Not that I’m playing favorites or anything, but those are just…unreal.
I can’t believe we’re coming up on the weekend before Christmas. How is this possible? I know I sound like a broken record, but, I just can’t believe it. What a year 2018 has been! And so much of it, like writing my first cookbook wouldn’t have ever been possible without your support. I cannot thank you enough.
I’m super excited to share more details with you very very soon!
But until then, cozy up with one (or a few) of these this weekend! Is it just me or does it feel like Friday?
Also! I posted a super awesome giveaway on my Instagram page this week – check it out and enter here if you haven’t yet! I appreciate you SO much! xoxo
Spiced Blood Orange Palomas
These Spiced Blood Orange Palomas are a refreshing, but still cozy holiday cocktail! The simple syrup is infused with star anise and cinnamon, and the palomas are filled with tequila, fresh blood orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a little soda water for some bubbles! For a little extra spice, the rim is made with margarita salt, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves!
Ingredients
For the spiced simple syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 whole star anise
- 2 cinnamon sticks
For the spiced salty sugar rim
- 2 tablespoons margarita salt or coarse salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of allspice
- pinch of cloves
For the paloma
- 2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 2 ounces freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 1/2 ounces spiced simple syrup
- splash of soda water
Instructions
spiced simple syrup
In a medium saucepan, bring the water, sugar, star anise, and cinnamon sticks to a boil. Once boiling, stir for 30 seconds to ensure sugar is dissolved, then set aside to cool completely. Once cooled completely, discard the cinnamon sticks and star anise.
spiced salty sugar rim
On a small plate, mix together the salt, sugar, and spices until combined.
paloma
Moisten the edge of your glass with lime or grapefruit wedge and rim in the spiced sugar rim. Fill the glass with crushed ice. Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Add the grapefruit juice, blood orange juice, lime juice, tequila, and spiced simple syrup to the shaker and shake for 20-30 seconds. Pour into the glass and top with a splash or two of soda water. Stir to combine and garnish with a slice of blood orange and lime, and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately!*
Recipe Notes
*Makes enough simple syrup for several cocktails. Extras will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!
*If you want to make these pitcher-style for a crowd, I'd measure all of the paloma ingredients out for how many people you want to make them for, add everything to a pitcher, and chill the mixture in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, add the crushed ice, and serve!
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