Pink Grapefruit and Mint Paloma Cocktail Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for new cocktail ideas to try at home. Pink Grapefruit and Mint Paloma? Easily one of my top picks when the weather starts heating up.

This paloma is all about fresh pink grapefruit juice, mint, and fizzy soda. It’s cool, bright, and honestly, way more interesting than your usual margarita.

If you want something easy but a little unexpected, this cocktail is probably what you’ve been searching for.

Making a Paloma with pink grapefruit and mint is actually pretty straightforward. And you don’t need any fancy bar gear or anything wild.

The combo of citrus and mint makes for a clean, lively flavor. Sometimes I wonder why I don’t make these more often.

Whether you’ve got friends coming over or you’re just winding down after a long day, this paloma is a fun twist for your evening.

Pink Grapefruit And Mint Paloma Cocktail Recipe

This drink brings together fresh grapefruit and mint with tequila. It’s cool, citrusy, and not at all fussy.

I like to keep things simple—fresh stuff, a few tools, and easy steps.

Equipment

Here’s what I usually grab from my bar cart. Nothing complicated.

• Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
• Jigger or shot glass for measuring
• Muddler for mint
• Citrus juicer
• Bar spoon
• Fine mesh strainer
• Highball or Collins glass
• Small plate for rimming with salt
• Ice cubes or crushed ice

A muddler is great for crushing the mint, so you really get that flavor. Fine mesh strainer? That’s just so you don’t end up with pulp or seeds floating around.

I’m a fan of the citrus juicer—it makes squeezing grapefruit and lime way easier.

Ingredients

I stick to fresh, simple ingredients. Nothing you’ll have to hunt all over town to find.

• 2 oz blanco tequila (silver tequila)
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice (pink or ruby red)
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz agave nectar or simple syrup
• 4-6 fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes (enough to fill glass)
• 2 oz sparkling water or club soda
• Optional: 2 oz grapefruit soda (instead of sparkling water)
• Optional: Salt and grapefruit wedge for rimming the glass
• Optional: Fresh fruit slices, strawberries, or blood orange wedges for garnish
• Substitute: Use mezcal for a smoky flavor, or add a splash of orange juice or maple syrup to adjust sweetness

Always use real citrus juice if you can help it. Bottled stuff just doesn’t hit the same.

Sometimes I swap agave nectar for simple syrup, or even maple syrup if I’m in the mood for something a little different.

Instructions

Here’s how I usually throw this together:

• Rim the glass with salt. Just rub a grapefruit wedge around the rim and dip it into a plate of salt (totally optional).
• Fill the glass with ice.
• In your shaker or mixing glass, muddle the mint leaves with agave nectar or simple syrup.
• Add in the tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, and fresh lime juice.
• Toss in some ice and shake it up for about 10 seconds.
• Strain the mixture into your glass over ice using a fine strainer.
• Top with sparkling water or club soda. Or use grapefruit soda if you want it sweeter and fizzier.
• Give it a gentle stir.
• Garnish with a mint sprig, grapefruit wedge, blood orange, or maybe even strawberries.

If I want more fizz and a bit more sweetness, I’ll go with grapefruit soda. If I’m feeling like something tart, I stick with just club soda and citrus.

Notes

A Paloma is super light and refreshing. Small tweaks make a big difference, though.

I usually grab blanco tequila for its clean flavor, but mezcal is a good pick if you want a smokier vibe.

Fresh grapefruit and lime really are best—bottled juice can taste kind of dull or even bitter. For sweetener, I’ll use whatever’s handy—agave nectar or simple syrup. If it comes out a little too tart, a splash of orange juice or maple syrup balances it.

When muddling the mint, just do it enough to get those oils out. Overdoing it can make things bitter, and nobody wants that.

If you’re into the salt rim, don’t go overboard. Too much salt can totally take over the drink.

Sometimes I throw in chopped strawberries or a few slices of blood orange. They add a pop of color and a little extra fruitiness, but they don’t overpower the grapefruit.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of this Pink Grapefruit and Mint Paloma, the flavors are crisp and honestly, pretty refreshing. The pink grapefruit gives off this soft tartness, but there’s just enough sweetness to keep things balanced.

There’s a little tang that hits my taste buds right away. It’s the kind of zing that wakes you up, you know?

The mint is gentle—definitely not too much—but it’s fresh, adding a cool finish to every sip. I wouldn’t call it overpowering; it just sort of hangs out with the citrus and makes everything work together.

I really enjoy the light herbal scent from the mint leaves while I drink. It’s subtle, but it’s there if you pay attention.

What I notice in each sip:

• Tart and juicy grapefruit right at the start.
• Subtle sweetness that smooths out the sharpness.
• Cool, minty aftertaste that lingers just a bit.
• Slight fizz if I use sparkling water—makes it feel even more refreshing.

The color is this really pretty pale pink, which just makes the drink look inviting. When I get a closer smell, the aroma is bright, with both citrus and mint coming through.

The drink feels light and honestly, super easy to enjoy, especially when it’s served cold.