The Paloma stands tall as Mexico’s most beloved tequila cocktail. It is even more popular than the Margarita among locals.

This refreshing drink combines tequila, fresh lime juice, and grapefruit soda. The flavors balance sweet, tart, and bitter notes.

The drink gets its name from “La Paloma” (the dove). Its exact origins remain unclear.

Some credit Don Javier Delgado Corona at La Capilla bar in Tequila, Mexico. Others say it emerged in the 1950s when grapefruit soda became popular in Mexico.

Making a Paloma takes just minutes. You only need a few basic ingredients.

The classic recipe stays simple. Modern versions might add fresh grapefruit juice or a salt rim for extra flair.

Paloma Cocktail Recipe

The Paloma is a refreshing Mexican cocktail. It mixes tequila with grapefruit soda and lime juice. Serve it in a tall glass with ice and a salted rim.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Tall glass (12-16 oz)
Cocktail shaker

Citrus juicer
Jigger or measuring tool
Small plate (for salt rim)

Bar spoon
Knife for cutting garnishes

Ingredients

2 oz blanco tequila

1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Grapefruit soda like Squirt or Jarritos
Kosher salt for rim

Ice cubes
Grapefruit wedge for garnish

Instructions

Pour salt onto a small plate.

Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass. Dip it in the salt.
Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Pour tequila and lime juice into the glass.

Top with grapefruit soda. Leave about 1/2 inch space at the top.
Stir gently with a bar spoon.
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

Notes

Salt helps balance the sweet and tart flavors. Fresh lime juice tastes better than bottled juice.

A high-quality blanco tequila improves the flavor. Some people add a pinch of salt directly to the drink instead of rimming the glass.

Store-bought grapefruit soda works well. You can also mix fresh grapefruit juice with club soda.

Serve the drink right away while the soda is still fizzy.

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Tasting Notes

The Paloma delivers a bright, tart grapefruit flavor. Sweet agave and salt balance each sip.

Crisp bubbles from the grapefruit soda greet you first. The tequila adds earthy and peppery notes.

Premium tequila brands provide smoother, more refined flavors. The rim salt brings a subtle mineral taste that enhances both the sweetness and the sourness.

Key Flavor Components:

Fresh grapefruit

Sweet agave nectar
Mineral salt
Earthy tequila

Effervescent bubbles

The drink has a light, refreshing mouthfeel. Its citrus-forward profile makes it enjoyable on warm days.

Salt and sweet notes linger briefly. The carbonation keeps the flavors lively from start to finish.

Substitute

You can use grapefruit-flavored soda like Fresca or Squirt as a simple substitute. These sodas create a similar taste without fresh juice.

For a non-alcoholic version, mix grapefruit juice with lime and sparkling water. Skip the tequila and add a splash of agave syrup for sweetness.

Alternative spirits to replace tequila:

Mezcal (smoky flavor)
White rum
Vodka

Use fresh lime juice instead of grapefruit juice in a pinch. Double the lime amount and add more sweetener to balance the tartness.

For a lower-sugar option, mix club soda and grapefruit-flavored sparkling water. This keeps the drink fizzy with fewer calories.

The salt rim is optional with any substitution. Plain sugar or tajin seasoning can replace salt for different flavors.

Paloma Cocktail Recipe