A Paloma cocktail brings together the bright tang of grapefruit with the smooth kick of tequila.
This refreshing Mexican drink needs just four basic ingredients: tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sparkling soda.
The drink started in the bars of Mexico and grew into a beloved cocktail across North America.
Its pink color and light bubbles make it perfect for warm afternoons or casual gatherings with friends.
This simple recipe takes less than five minutes to mix up and works great for parties.
The mix of sweet, sour, and fizzy flavors creates a balanced drink that even people who don’t like tequila often enjoy.
Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Citrus juicer
- Collins glass or tall glass
- Ice
- Bar spoon
- Small plate (for salt rim)
Ingredients
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 oz sparkling soda water
- Kosher salt for rim
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Pour kosher salt onto a small plate.
- Rub a grapefruit wedge around the rim of the glass. Dip the rim in salt.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Top with sparkling soda water and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and serve immediately.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Grapefruit Paloma offers a bright, citrusy flavor profile that combines sweet, tart, and slightly bitter notes.
The fresh grapefruit juice provides a zesty punch while the tequila adds warmth and depth.
A gentle fizz from the sparkling water creates a refreshing mouthfeel.
The salt rim enhances the drink’s complexity and brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit juices.
Key Flavor Elements:
- Tart grapefruit
- Sweet agave
- Crisp bubbles
- Salty finish
- Clean tequila notes
The first sip delivers a bold citrus taste, followed by the smooth tequila presence.
The drink ends with a pleasant balance of sweet and salty notes that linger on the palate.
The cocktail’s light pink color matches its fresh taste profile. Ice dilution helps mellow the stronger flavors and creates an easy-drinking experience perfect for warm afternoons.
Temperature Recommendation: Serve very cold at 35-40°F (2-4°C) for the best taste experience.
Substitute
A regular Paloma needs grapefruit soda. But fresh alternatives work great. Fresh grapefruit juice mixed with club soda or sparkling water makes a perfect swap.
Don’t have grapefruit? Pink lemonade or a mix of orange and lime juice can work too. These give a similar tart and sweet taste.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the tequila. Then add extra citrus juice with soda water. A splash of simple syrup helps balance the drink’s tartness.
Alternative Mixers:
- Lime-flavored sparkling water
- Citrus-flavored seltzer
- Diet grapefruit soda
- Grapefruit kombucha
The drink needs something bubbly. Regular club soda works well, but any fizzy, clear drink will do the job. Even ginger ale can add a nice twist.
For the alcohol part, mezcal makes an excellent substitute for tequila. It adds a smoky note that many people enjoy.
