The Paloma stands as Mexico’s most beloved tequila cocktail, surpassing even the Margarita in popularity among locals.
A classic Paloma combines tequila, fresh lime juice, and grapefruit soda for a refreshing drink that takes just 2 minutes to make.
This pink-hued drink gets its name from the Spanish word for “dove” and brings a bright, citrusy taste perfect for warm afternoons.
The balanced mix of sweet and tart flavors makes it an ideal choice for both casual sipping and festive gatherings.
The recipe works well with either blanco or reposado tequila, and home bartenders can adjust the ratios to match their taste preferences.
A salt rim adds an extra touch that brings out the natural flavors of the grapefruit and tequila.
Paloma Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Highball glass or collins glass
- Cocktail shaker (optional)
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Bar spoon
- Citrus juicer
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 4-5 oz grapefruit soda like Jarritos or Squirt
- Coarse salt for rimming
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit wedge for garnish optional
Instructions
- Rim a highball glass with coarse salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in salt
- Fill the glass with ice cubes
- Pour the tequila and fresh lime juice into the glass
- Top with grapefruit soda
- Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine all ingredients
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge if desired
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Paloma cocktail offers a bright, zesty flavor profile that balances sweet and tart notes. Fresh grapefruit juice creates a crisp citrus base, while the tequila adds earthy warmth.
A gentle effervescence from the grapefruit soda brings refreshing bubbles to each sip. The salt rim enhances the natural sweetness of the grapefruit and adds a pleasant contrast.
The drink presents a pale pink color with a slight cloudiness from the fresh juice. When served over ice, it maintains its cooling qualities without becoming diluted too quickly.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Citrus-forward with grapefruit dominance
- Light agave sweetness from tequila
- Mild saltiness from rim
- Clean, bubbly finish
The aftertaste is clean and refreshing with lingering citrus notes. The combination of ingredients creates a drink that’s less sweet than many other cocktails, making it ideal for warm weather enjoyment.
Substitute
The classic Paloma recipe calls for grapefruit soda, but several alternatives work well. You can replace the grapefruit soda with any citrus soda.
Fresh grapefruit juice mixed with plain soda water creates a bright and refreshing substitute. A 2:1 ratio of grapefruit juice to soda water matches the sweetness of traditional grapefruit soda.
Alternative Citrus Sodas:
- Lime soda
- Lemon-lime soda
- Orange soda
- Sparkling citrus water
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the tequila and add an extra splash of lime juice. The drink keeps its tart, citrusy character without the alcohol.
Some bartenders swap mezcal for tequila to add a smoky note. The mezcal pairs well with the grapefruit and creates a more complex flavor profile.
Diet or sugar-free citrus sodas work as low-calorie options. They maintain the fizzy texture while reducing sugar content.
Using fresh-squeezed pink grapefruit juice instead of white grapefruit juice gives the drink a prettier color and slightly sweeter taste.
