Paloma With Grapefruit And Passion Fruit Cocktail Recipe

A Paloma always hits the spot, but when you throw in some passion fruit, it really pops. I love how the tart grapefruit plays off the sweet, tropical notes of passion fruit.

This cocktail mixes citrus and tropical flavors for a crisp, balanced drink that’s easy to whip up and perfect when you just want to chill out.

The combo of fresh juice, bubbly soda, and smooth tequila comes together for a simple but flavorful drink. There’s something about the color and aroma—it just feels a little special, even though the steps are easy.

Every sip is light, fruity, and has just enough tang.

Paloma With Grapefruit And Passion Fruit Cocktail Recipe

I like to mix bright grapefruit with sweet passion fruit for a cocktail that’s light and refreshing. The mix of tart citrus, smooth tequila, and a fizzy finish makes it a great choice for warm days or just hanging out with friends.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – helps blend everything evenly.
• Jigger or measuring cup – keeps your pours on point.
• Citrus juicer – really gets all the juice out of your limes and grapefruits.
• Fine strainer – catches any pulp or seeds.
• Mixing spoon – for a quick stir at the end.
• Rocks glass – classic for a Paloma.
• Small plate – for prepping the salt rim.
• Ice cubes – can’t forget these for chilling.

I like to get my tools together before I start. It just makes things smoother once I’m actually mixing.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 oz passion fruit puree or passion fruit syrup
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup or agave nectar (tweak to your taste)
• 2–3 oz sparkling water, club soda, or grapefruit soda
• Salt for the rim
• Ice cubes

Fresh juice just makes a difference, honestly. The acidity from grapefruit and lime keeps things bright, and the passion fruit brings a mellow sweetness.

Instructions

• Run a lime wedge around your glass rim, then dip it in salt for that salted rim.
• Fill the glass halfway with ice.
• In your cocktail shaker, pour in tequila, grapefruit juice, passion fruit puree, lime juice, and simple syrup.
• Toss in some ice and shake it up for about 10 seconds until it’s nice and cold.
• Strain everything into your salted glass.
• Top it off with sparkling water or grapefruit soda for bubbles.
• Give it a gentle stir.
• Add a grapefruit wedge or lime wheel for garnish.

I always taste as I go—sometimes I want it a bit sweeter, sometimes a little more tart.

Notes

I usually reach for blanco tequila because it’s crisp, but if I’m in the mood for something a little deeper, reposado works too. If you want to lighten it up, swap in club soda for anything sugary.

When I’m making a batch for a group, I mix the base ahead of time and pour the bubbles in right before serving. That salt rim? It really brings out the citrus and keeps the sweetness in check.

This drink has the soul of a classic Paloma but the passion fruit gives it a fun, tropical kick. On a warm afternoon, it’s hard to beat.

Tasting Notes

I notice the grapefruit right away. It gives the drink a crisp, slightly bitter edge that really wakes up my taste buds.

Then the passion fruit comes in with a gentle sweetness, balancing out that tart citrus. Honestly, it’s a nice surprise.

The tequila brings warmth and depth, but it doesn’t bulldoze the fruit flavors. There’s this light earthiness that ties everything together.

A hint of lime keeps things bright and refreshing. It’s subtle, but definitely there.

When I take another sip, the bubbles from the soda make everything feel lively and smooth. The combo of sweet, tart, and just a bit of bitterness keeps each sip interesting.

I have to say, the aroma lines up perfectly with the flavor. It smells fresh, fruity, and there’s a little floral note in there too.

The color—a soft pink-orange—makes it look just as inviting as it tastes.