Hot Paloma cocktail recipe

Spiced Hot Paloma cocktail for cold days

When winter arrives and temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like warming up with a cozy cocktail that brings comfort and sophistication to your glass. The Hot Paloma is an inspired twist on the classic Mexican Paloma that transforms this beloved tequila cocktail into a warming winter drink, combining bright citrus flavors with the soothing warmth of a Hot Toddy. 

This easy-to-make Hot Paloma drink maintains the essence of the original Paloma while the floral nose of tequila Olmeca Altos Reposado shines through beautifully when heated, the grapefruit and lemon juices provide signature citrus punch, and the honey, orange bitters, and saline solution add complexity and balance that make it perfect for chilly evenings.

This Hot Paloma is incredibly versatile and fits perfectly into various winter occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, enjoying a quiet evening by the fireplace, or celebrating Day of the Dead with traditional warm beverages, this cocktail delivers both flavor and warmth. Speaking of Day of the Dead celebrations, you can find this Hot Paloma among other festive drink options in our Day of the Dead drink collection, where it stands out as a modern yet respectful tribute to Mexican cocktail traditions.

Hot Paloma recipe tips

• Getting the temperature right is crucial for this hot paloma cocktail. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure you reach exactly 70 degrees Celsius. This temperature is hot enough to be comforting but not so hot that it burns your mouth or alters the tequila’s delicate flavors. If you don’t have a thermometer, heat the mixture until it’s steaming but not simmering or boiling.

• The saline solution might seem like an unusual ingredient, but it’s essential for balancing the flavors in this drink. Salt enhances the grapefruit’s natural sweetness and helps all the flavors meld together. Make a batch of saline solution and keep it in your bar—it’s useful for many cocktails and lasts indefinitely.

• Choose runny honey rather than thick honey for easier mixing. If you only have thick honey, you can thin it slightly with warm water before adding it to your saucepan. This ensures it dissolves completely without leaving any sticky clumps in your drink.

• For the best results, use fresh-squeezed grapefruit and lemon juice rather than bottled versions. Fresh citrus juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor and aroma, giving your hot paloma a brighter, more vibrant taste. Pink grapefruit works wonderfully and adds a lovely color to the finished drink.

• The clove-studded grapefruit garnish isn’t just decorative—it adds aromatic complexity as you sip. If you want a spicier drink, add the cloves directly to the glass so they continue infusing while you drink. For a milder spiced note, keep the cloves in the garnish only.

If you’re looking to expand your warm cocktail repertoire and try more creative tequila drinks, explore our best cocktail recipes and discover new favorites to enjoy year-round.

The tradition behind hot cocktails

Hot cocktails have a rich history that spans cultures and centuries, with roots in medicinal drinks and warming beverages designed to combat cold weather and illness. The Hot Toddy, which inspired this Hot Paloma, originated in the 18th century and traditionally combined spirits with hot water, honey, and spices. These warm drinks were believed to have healing properties and were often consumed to soothe sore throats or warm up after being out in cold weather.

In Mexico, hot beverages have always played an important role in culinary traditions, from champurrado to Mexican hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon and chili. The Hot Paloma bridges these traditions by taking Mexico’s most beloved tequila cocktail and adapting it to the warm drink format that’s so cherished in Mexican culture, especially during winter months and holiday celebrations.

Today’s craft cocktail movement has embraced hot drinks as a way to showcase spirits in new ways and provide seasonal options that go beyond summer refreshers. Heating cocktails gently can actually enhance certain flavor profiles, particularly with aged spirits like reposado tequila, where the warmth helps release aromatic compounds and makes the vanilla and oak notes more pronounced.

Olmeca Altos, the best tequila for your drinks

Selecting the right tequila is essential for creating an outstanding Hot Paloma, and tequila Olmeca Altos Reposado is the perfect choice for this warm cocktail. Crafted in the highlands of Jalisco using traditional tahona stone mills and small copper pot stills, this reposado is aged for six to eight months in American oak barrels, developing smooth vanilla, caramel, and subtle oak notes that work beautifully when gently heated. 

The craftsmanship behind Olmeca Altos ensures that even when heated, the tequila maintains its character and quality, so when you choose Olmeca Altos Reposado for your Hot Paloma cocktail, you’re ensuring that every sip delivers the authentic taste of Mexico with the warmth and comfort perfect for cold winter days.