Paloma With Elderflower Liqueur Cocktail Recipe

A Paloma always feels like a fresh start—bright, crisp, and honestly, just easy to sip. When I splash in some elderflower liqueur, it brings this light, floral twist that makes the classic cocktail feel a bit more special.

Here’s my go-to recipe for a Paloma with elderflower liqueur, balancing sweet, tart, and floral notes in every glass.

I like how simple making this drink is. No need for fancy gadgets or rare bottles—just a handful of basics and a little attention.

The grapefruit and lime lay down a clean citrus base, and the elderflower liqueur smooths things out with its gentle sweetness.

After you try it, you’ll notice how just a splash of elderflower makes the Paloma extra smooth and refreshing. It’s one of those drinks that fits any mood—super easy to throw together, and honestly, always a crowd-pleaser.

Paloma With Elderflower Liqueur Cocktail Recipe

I love how this cocktail mixes the crispness of grapefruit with the sweet, floral notes from the elderflower liqueur. It’s light and refreshing, and you only need a few tools and fresh ingredients.

Equipment

To make this Paloma with elderflower liqueur, I grab a few simple tools that help me get it just right.

• Cocktail shaker – mixes and chills the drink evenly.
• Jigger or measuring tool – keeps the ratios in check.
• Highball glass – perfect for serving over ice.
• Bar spoon – for a gentle stir after adding soda.
• Citrus juicer – gets the freshest juice from grapefruit and lime.
• Strainer – pours the drink cleanly into your glass.
• Ice – plenty for shaking and serving.

I like to set everything out before I start, so I’m not scrambling mid-mix.

Ingredients

Fresh juices and good spirits really make the flavors pop here. This combo keeps the drink bright and lively.

• 2 oz silver tequila
• 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur (I usually go with St. Germain)
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.25 oz simple syrup (add more or less to taste)
• 2–3 oz grapefruit soda (for topping)
• Ice (for shaking and serving)
• Grapefruit wedge or lime wheel (for garnish)

If the soda’s sweet, I sometimes cut back on the syrup. The elderflower liqueur brings a soft, floral note that plays so nicely with the tart citrus.

Instructions

Here’s how I mix up a glass of this Paloma:

• Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
• Add tequila, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
• Shake it up for 10–15 seconds until cold.
• Strain the mix into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with grapefruit soda and give it a gentle stir.
• Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or lime wheel.

I usually taste it before serving and tweak the sweetness or tartness if needed.

Notes

I think silver tequila keeps the drink extra crisp and clean. Sometimes I swap in a reposado for a touch of warmth and oakiness.

Fresh grapefruit juice really does make a difference—bottled just isn’t the same. The elderflower liqueur adds a floral layer that mellows out the citrus.

If I want it lighter, I’ll pour in more grapefruit soda. For a stronger drink, I use less soda and more of the tequila mix.

Serving it in a chilled highball glass keeps everything cold and makes the whole experience even more refreshing.

Tasting Notes

Right away, the first sip strikes me as bright and crisp. That gentle tartness from the grapefruit wakes up my taste buds, but thankfully, it doesn’t go overboard.

I get this soft sweetness from the elderflower liqueur, and there’s a light floral note that floats in. It just sort of blends with the citrus, making the whole thing feel balanced and honestly pretty refreshing.

There’s a little bitterness from the grapefruit peel that sneaks in, which stops the drink from tipping into overly sweet territory. The soda’s bubbles give it a clean finish and kind of lift everything up.

When the ice starts to melt, the flavors mellow out. The floral notes fade a bit, so I’m left with a mild citrus and herbal vibe that lingers in a really pleasant way.

Honestly, I love how cool and smooth this drink feels. The sweet, tart, and floral notes keep things light—easy to just sit back and enjoy.