This post is in partnership with Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, but opinions are 100% my own.

This is a fun and zesty Halloween cocktail recipe, a Bloody Orange Paloma! You will want shake up this cocktail even after Halloween is long gone. It just so happens that the Paloma cocktail is probably my favorite cocktail recipe ever. I made this version with a shot of Strawberry simple syrup. This gives it a yummy burst of berry and red (think blood!) to make it just the perfect cocktail for Halloween.

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Things are getting spooky over here and I have an eye-popping Halloween cocktail just for you! I decorated with mostly black and white this year, so I decided I need a signature drink that would be bright and fun. This Bloody Orange Paloma totally fits that bill and it is a tasty, tart adult beverage that’s just perfect for Halloween hijinx.

What is a Paloma Cocktail?

The classic recipe for a Paloma cocktail contains fresh lime juice, silver tequila and grapefruit soda, such as Jarrito’s. It’s believed that the Paloma cocktail recipe originated in Tequila, Mexico. If you are interested in learning more about the Paloma, there are tons of theories out there about how this cocktail came to be. Supposedly, it’s the National drink of Mexico. But that’s probably pretty subjective. I am a huge fan though and I had fun coming up with the variation that makes an awesome Halloween cocktail.

Ingredients in my Halloween Cocktail: Bloody Orange Paloma

I keep the ingredients pretty simple here. You might be thrown by the simple syrup, but I promise it’s super easy to make! This version of the Paloma cocktail contains:

Natalie’s Blood Orange juice
Silver tequila: I prefer silver in this recipe because it’s so bright and smooth. Don’t skimp on tequila. Buy the best you
Fresh lime juice
Club soda
Strawberry simple syrup

The best part of this cocktail is that it starts with a delicious handcrafted Blood Orange juice from Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company. Natalie’s stands for producing high-quality, healthy juices in small batches. Things I love about Natalie’s juices: First, their juices are free of preservatives, artificial flavors, concentrates or GMOs. Second, their juices are usually only one or two ingredients. The blood orange juice is simply freshly squeezed blood oranges! Last, they are a woman-owned company! Needless to say, I am a fan. Blood Orange is my favorite flavor of Natalie’s juices and you must know by now that the Paloma is my favorite cocktail.

How do you make this Halloween tequila cocktail?

This Halloween cocktail involves making a riff on the classic Paloma with Natalie’s Blood Orange Juice, good silver Tequila, and fresh lime. Take those ingredients and put them in a tall ice-filled glass. Give it a good stir. Then, top the drink with a strawberry simple syrup and let it sink to the bottom. The final step is a fizzy topping of club soda or seltzer water. For an extra lime kick, you can use Lime flavored sparkling water such as Bubly or LaCroix. Garnish the finished drink with a slice of fresh lime and of course, an eyeball.

How to make Strawberry Simple Syrup for this Halloween cocktail:

The strawberry simple syrup is another ghoulish aspect of this beastly beverage. I enjoy making my own simple syrups for cocktails. They are truly SIMPLE to make and the varieties are endless! I started this syrup with equal parts sugar and water. Brought the mixture to boil and then reduced it to a simmer. Next, you add some sliced strawberries and let the whole thing simmer for 5-10 minutes. Then, let the syrup sit until it’s room temperature. Strain it and it’s ready to be used or refrigerated.

I made the strawberry simple syrup to drizzle over the top. It sinks to the bottom of the glass to make a “blood-like” base. Lastly, I also drizzled a bit of it on the table to create a most grizzly scene. I am pretty squeamish when it comes to real blood, but I am a total nut for “bloody” cocktails: Bloody Mary’s and anything involving Blood Oranges.

Alternative versions of this Paloma cocktail recipe:

I love to offer ways to vary a recipe. Lord knows, I am terrible about sticking to a recipe. I always have to find a way to change up something. There are quite a few ways you could change up this Halloween cocktail:

Make a booze-free version by leaving out the tequila and adding a little more club soda. This would make the drink appealing to non-drinkers and make it safe for kiddos.
Use another kind of juice instead of Blood Orange. Think grapefruit, cranberry or pineapple!
Make your own riff on the simple syrup. Change up the flavoring.
You could even leave out the syrup and add a little more lime juice.

Halloween cocktails are such a fun theme to explore. Shopping for props and garnishes is a treat. I was super excited to find eyeball ice cubes. As it turns out, they make the perfect garnish. What are you serving up for your Halloween night?

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