Blood Orange Paloma Cocktail Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for ways to jazz up classic cocktails, and lately, the Blood Orange Paloma has been stealing the show for me. There’s something about that sweet-tart blood orange juice that just makes the traditional Paloma pop—both in color and taste.

It’s honestly a refreshing, vibrant drink that feels a little more exciting than your average cocktail. Whenever I whip up a batch, friends end up asking for the recipe before they’ve even finished their glass.

The combo of fresh citrus, bubbly soda, and tequila is a breeze to put together, yet somehow feels a bit fancy. If you’re after a drink that’s easy but still manages to impress, you might want to give this one a try.

Blood Orange Paloma Cocktail Recipe

When I’m craving a tequila cocktail that’s not too heavy, this is usually my pick. The mix of blood orange and lime juice with fizzy club soda is just so lively and colorful.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker: I like to use this to chill everything quickly.
• Jigger: Makes it easier to get the right amount of tequila and juice.
• Citrus juicer or reamer: Fresh juice just tastes better, so I squeeze it myself.
• Strainer: Handy for keeping out pulp and seeds.
• Highball or rocks glass: Either works, but I lean toward a highball.
• Bar spoon: For giving the finished drink a gentle stir.
• Small plate: Good for rimming the glass with salt or sugar if I’m feeling fancy.
• Ice cube tray: Gotta have plenty of ice.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces blanco tequila (sometimes I swap in gold tequila for a different vibe)
• 2 ounces fresh blood orange juice
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 ounces sparkling water or club soda (or grapefruit soda if you want it sweeter)
• ½ ounce simple syrup (totally adjustable, depending on your sweet tooth)
• Ice cubes
• Kosher salt or sugar for rimming the glass (optional, but fun)
• Blood orange wheel or lime wedge (for garnish)
• 1 ounce grapefruit juice (optional, if you want a little extra grapefruit kick)

Instructions

• Rim the glass: I usually rub a lime wedge around the rim, then dip it into salt or sugar.
• Fill the glass with ice: Keeps everything nice and cold.
• Add tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice (if you’re using it) to the cocktail shaker.
• Toss in some ice, then shake well for about 15 seconds.
• Strain into your prepped glass over fresh ice.
• Top with sparkling water, club soda, or grapefruit soda, and give it a gentle stir.
• Garnish with a blood orange wheel or lime wedge.

Notes

Fresh blood orange juice is really the star here—the color and flavor just stand out. If I can’t find blood oranges, I’ll use regular oranges and maybe a splash of grenadine for color, but honestly, it’s not quite the same.

Blanco tequila is my go-to since it’s crisp and lets the citrus shine. If I’m in the mood for something smoother, I’ll reach for gold tequila instead. Grapefruit soda makes it sweeter, so I’ll use that if I’m feeling indulgent.

A little garnish goes a long way, whether it’s a lime wedge or a slice of blood orange. I always serve these right after making them so the fizz doesn’t fade. If I need to make a big batch, I’ll mix everything except the soda ahead of time, then just add the bubbles when it’s time to pour.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of my Blood Orange Paloma, the first thing that hits me is the bright, citrusy flavor. The blood orange juice brings this sweet, tangy kick that isn’t overwhelming.

It’s honestly refreshing—makes me want to go back for another sip almost immediately. The tequila shows up gently in the background.

There’s a little warmth from the tequila, but it never gets harsh or takes over. I really like how the agave notes just kind of hang out with the fruit.

You get a hint of grapefruit, but it’s softened by the blood orange. The balance here means it never tips into being too bitter, and the sweetness feels pretty spot-on.

If you’re into fizz, you’ll notice the cocktail’s got this light bubbliness from the soda. Each sip feels a bit lively, maybe even a little playful.

I have to mention the color, too. The red tint from the blood orange just looks gorgeous in the glass.

It’s cheerful and honestly feels like the kind of drink you want to sip outside in the summer.

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