Holiday Paloma With Fresh Grapefruit Cocktail Recipe

Nothing says festive like a bright, refreshing cocktail during the holidays. If you’re after an easy drink with a real burst of grapefruit, my Holiday Paloma might just hit the spot.

It’s simple to mix up, uses fresh stuff, and honestly, it adds a cheerful twist to any get-together. I can’t get enough of the sweet and tart kick from fresh grapefruit—it just makes the whole thing feel a bit special.

You don’t need fancy gadgets or weird ingredients for this one. Just a few basics from your kitchen and fridge, and you’re good to go.

This is one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something that looks as good as it tastes.

Holiday Paloma With Fresh Grapefruit Cocktail Recipe

Making a Holiday Paloma at home is actually pretty fun, and the bright, citrusy flavor is so worth it. Fresh grapefruit juice and a good tequila really do make all the difference, both in taste and how it looks in the glass.

Equipment

• Rocks glass (a short, sturdy glass is best)
• Cocktail shaker (or, honestly, a big jar with a lid works fine)
• Jigger or shot glass (for measuring out your liquids)
• Bar spoon (any long spoon will do for mixing)
• Citrus juicer (handy for squeezing limes and grapefruits)
• Small knife (for slicing up fruit)
• Ice cubes (fresh ice makes a difference)
• Fine mesh strainer (helpful if you want to skip the pulp)

I like to pull everything out before I start so I’m not scrambling mid-recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila blanco (or reposado if you want it a bit softer)
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup or agave syrup (sweeten it to your liking)
• 2 oz grapefruit soda
• Club soda (optional, for topping up if you want it lighter)
• Ice cubes
• Grapefruit wedge (for garnish)
• Coarse salt (optional, for the rim)

I always go for fresh juice—it just tastes better, no contest. Tequila blanco is my usual pick, but reposado is nice if I’m after something a little smoother.

Instructions

• If you want a salted rim, rub a grapefruit wedge around the edge of your glass and dip it into some coarse salt.
• Pour tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and syrup into a cocktail shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake it up for about 15 seconds, until it feels cold.
• Strain into your rocks glass that’s filled with fresh ice.
• Top with grapefruit soda, and add a splash of club soda if you’re in the mood for something lighter.
• Pop a grapefruit wedge on the rim for garnish.

I usually give it a taste before adding the soda, just to see if it needs a little more sweetness or acidity.

Notes

Using 100% fresh juices really makes the Paloma pop—way brighter and more refreshing.\
If you don’t want it too sweet, just use less syrup or swap in club soda instead of grapefruit soda.

Reposado tequila adds a warmer vibe, while blanco keeps things crisp and clean.\
Grapefruit soda gives the best fizz, but if you want it lighter, go for just club soda.

A salted rim and a fresh grapefruit wedge? That’s what makes it feel extra festive.

Tasting Notes

I take a sip of the Holiday Paloma with Fresh Grapefruit, and honestly, the first thing that hits me is that bright, tangy punch from the grapefruit juice. It’s sharp, super fresh—kind of wakes up your mouth with this bold, fruity pop.

Then there’s the tequila. It brings a gentle warmth, maybe a little bite, but definitely doesn’t drown out the citrus.

There’s also this subtle sweetness from the simple syrup. It sort of smooths out the tartness from the grapefruit and lime, which I appreciate.

What really gets me is how the soda water adds those bubbles—makes the whole thing feel light and just really refreshing. Not too sweet, not too sour, and honestly, just crisp and ridiculously easy to drink.

Sometimes I’ll rim the glass with a bit of salt, if I’m feeling fancy. That tiny salty edge brings out the flavors even more, somehow.

Every sip feels a little special, especially with a wedge of fresh grapefruit or lime tossed on top.