Looking for a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail? The Ginger Ale Paloma combines the bright citrus flavors of a traditional Paloma with the spicy sweetness of ginger ale.
This simple cocktail requires just four ingredients: tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and ginger ale.
The Ginger Ale Paloma offers a perfect balance between tart and sweet, with the ginger adding a pleasant zing that complements the tequila beautifully.
It makes an excellent choice for warm spring gatherings or summer barbecues when you want something light and fizzy.
This cocktail comes together in minutes, making it ideal for both casual get-togethers and more formal entertaining.
The pale pink color and bubbling effervescence create an attractive drink that tastes as good as it looks.
Ginger Ale Paloma Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Citrus juicer
- Bar spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For one cocktail:
- Ingredient Amount
- Tequila blanco or reposado 2 oz
- Fresh grapefruit juice 1 oz
- Fresh lime juice ½ oz
- Agave syrup or simple syrup ½ oz
- Ginger ale 3-4 oz
- Ice 1 cup
- Salt For rimming optional
- Grapefruit or lime wedge For garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: If desired, run a lime or grapefruit wedge around the rim of the highball glass and dip it in salt.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Add the liquids: Pour the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup into the glass.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine all ingredients.
- Top with ginger ale until the glass is nearly full, about 3-4 ounces.
- Stir once more very gently to mix without losing too much carbonation.
- Garnish with a wedge of grapefruit or lime on the rim of the glass.
- Serve immediately while the drink is cold and bubbly.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
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 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
The Ginger Ale Paloma offers a refreshing blend of flavors that balance sweetness, tartness, and spice.
The first sip delivers the bright citrus notes of grapefruit, followed by the gentle warmth of tequila.
The ginger ale adds a subtle spicy kick and pleasant effervescence that tingles on the palate.
This fizzy element lifts the cocktail, making it feel light and refreshing.
Flavor Profile:
- Primary:Â Tart grapefruit, zesty lime
- Secondary:Â Warm tequila notes, spicy ginger
- Finish:Â Clean, slightly sweet, with lingering ginger warmth
The salt rim provides a savory contrast that enhances the grapefruit’s natural flavor.
This creates a more complex taste experience than a traditional Paloma.
Temperature affects the flavor profile dramatically.
When properly chilled, the cocktail tastes crisp and invigorating.
As it warms, the ginger notes become more pronounced.
The drink’s acidity from citrus cuts through the sweetness of the ginger ale, creating a well-balanced cocktail suitable for both casual sipping and food pairing.
This variation drinks more easily than the traditional Paloma, making it approachable for those new to tequila-based cocktails.
The ginger element adds complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Substitute
Can’t find ginger ale for your Paloma cocktail? Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to work around it.
There are several options to replace it.
Common Substitutes:
- Club soda with a splash of ginger syrup
- Ginger beer (will make a spicier drink)
- Lemon-lime soda with a pinch of ground ginger
- Sparkling water with ginger extract
If you’re after a non-alcoholic version, just skip the tequila and pour in more grapefruit juice. Maybe throw in a little lime juice for some extra brightness.
No grapefruit juice on hand? Pink lemonade is a surprisingly decent substitute.
The drink will taste different, sure, but it’ll still be refreshing.
Other citrus juices like blood orange or tangerine can work too. They each bring their own twist to the cocktail.
