Hibiscus Paloma Sour
A spiced twist on a classic Paloma, this tequila cocktail combines grapefruit and lime with a jewel-toned hibiscus syrup infused with ginger, cinnamon, and citrus. Bright, tart, and perfectly festive.
Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.
Spiced Hibiscus Syrup
Ingredients
2 cups water
1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 cinnamon sticks
Peel of one orange
1 cup sugar (or equal to the amount of brewed tea)
Instructions
Add water, hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and orange peel to a medium saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 3–4 minutes.
Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.
Strain through a fine mesh sieve — you should have about 1 cup of concentrated tea.
Return to the saucepan and stir in sugar over low heat until fully dissolved.
Cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sealed jar or bottle.
Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
Hibiscus Paloma Sour
Ingredients
2 oz tequila
1 oz homemade spiced hibiscus syrup
1 oz grapefruit juice
½ oz lime juice
Garnish: grapefruit slice or cinnamon stick
Instructions
Add tequila, hibiscus syrup, grapefruit juice, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
Shake well until chilled and frothy.
Strain over crushed ice in a rocks glass.
Garnish with a grapefruit wheel and a cinnamon stick or star anise (or both!).
Notes from the Bar
Tequila Choice
Use blanco tequila for a bright, citrusy flavor or reposado for a warmer, spiced profile that complements the syrup.
Syrup Shortcut
You can steep tea bags made with hibiscus and ginger if you’re short on timeJust sweeten and reduce slightly for depth.
Garnish
A grapefruit wheel gives vibrant color; star anise or a cinnamon stick adds instant holiday aroma.
Glassware
Serve in a rocks glass with crushed ice to highlight the rich crimson hue.
Batch for 6
Combine 12 oz tequila, 6 oz hibiscus syrup, 6 oz grapefruit juice, and 3 oz lime juice in a pitcher. Stir, chill, and shake individual servings with ice before pouring.
Seasonal Tip
This cocktail shines during the holidays and early winter, when its spiced floral base and ruby hue feel both cozy and celebratory.
Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.
until next time, keep the spirit high and the company good,
Kevin & Kate
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