Spicy Paloma Syrup

This is the paloma in a bottle, reformulated for people who want the version with actual heat. Real grapefruit puree, lime, and a hit of Habanero — plus the unmistakable spice blend from our friends at Secret Aardvark, the Portland hot sauce institution that's been turning brunch into an event for two decades. The result is a syrup that does the work of a craft cocktail in the time it takes to pour.

Combine 1.5 oz syrup with 2 oz tequila or mezcal, shake with ice, and you've made a Spicy Paloma that doesn't taste like grapefruit La Croix with hot sauce in it. Splash it into a margarita for an instant heat upgrade. Mix it with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime for a non-alcoholic spicy paloma soda that holds its own at a barbecue. It's also unreasonably good drizzled over grilled shrimp or chicken.

Tasting Notes: bright pink grapefruit, real Habanero heat, lime brightness, savory Secret Aardvark spice, citrus-forward finish

The Short Version: A Portland-meets-Mexico paloma syrup made with real grapefruit, Habanero, and Secret Aardvark's signature spice blend — instant spicy palomas, margaritas, and grilling glazes.

Ingredients: Filtered water, organic cane sugar, grapefruit puree, lime puree, Habanero puree, Secret Aardvark spice blend, grapefruit peel, grapefruit extract, citric acid.

Perfect For: Spicy paloma loyalists, Portland fans, tequila and mezcal drinkers, summer-grill hosts, hot sauce enthusiasts, and anyone who's been making palomas the hard way.

Best Enjoyed In: Spicy Palomas (1.5 oz syrup + 2 oz tequila + ice + sparkling water), spicy margaritas, mezcal cocktails, paloma mocktails (1.5 oz + sparkling water + lime), or as a shrimp-and-chicken glaze on the grill.

The Portland Syrups Promise: Ethically sourced, carefully brewed, and bottled in glass jars right here in SE Portland, Oregon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the syrup last after opening?
A: Our syrups are shelf-stable for 24 months unopened. Once opened, refrigerate and enjoy within 6 months.

Q: What's Secret Aardvark?
A: Secret Aardvark is a Portland-based hot sauce maker that's been making award-winning sauces since 2004 — most famously their original Habanero Hot Sauce, which gets cult-level loyalty among locals. We collaborated with them on this syrup specifically because their spice blend is the right kind of heat for a paloma: bright, layered, slightly fruity, never one-note. If you've had their hot sauce on tacos or eggs, you know the flavor profile.

Q: How spicy is the Spicy Paloma syrup?
A: Genuinely spicy, but balanced. The Habanero shows up clearly in the finish, with the Secret Aardvark spice blend adding layered warmth that's more flavor-forward than just heat. Most people read it as "hotter than a regular spicy margarita, less hot than straight hot sauce" — a sustained, citrus-edged warmth that pairs beautifully with tequila. If you order spicy palomas without flinching, this is squarely in your range.