Pomegranate Paloma cocktails add a bright twist to a classic favorite, making them perfect for any gathering.

This recipe combines fresh pomegranate juice, grapefruit soda, and tequila to create a refreshing drink with just the right balance of sweet and tart flavors.

It’s easy to make at home and doesn’t call for any fancy ingredients.

I like making this cocktail when I want something colorful and a little different from a standard Paloma.

Pomegranate juice not only gives the drink a beautiful color but also adds a new layer of taste that surprises guests.

This easy recipe can be made in just a few minutes.

That means you can spend more time actually enjoying your evening—always a win in my book.

Pomegranate Paloma Cocktail Recipe

This Pomegranate Paloma packs bright citrus flavors with a tart kick from fresh pomegranate juice. I keep it straightforward, using easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps for a fresh, satisfying drink.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Cocktail shaker (or a large jar with a lid, if I don’t have a shaker)
Jigger or measuring spoons
Strainer
Tall glass (like a highball or Collins glass)

Bar spoon (or any long-handled spoon)
Citrus juicer (for squeezing limes and grapefruit)
Small plate (for the salt rim)

Knife and cutting board for fruit prep

Ingredients

2 oz tequila blanco or silver for a clean flavor
1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1 oz pomegranate juice unsweetened or sweetened, according to my taste

0.5 oz lime juice freshly squeezed
0.5 oz simple syrup adjust to taste
2 oz club soda or sparkling water
Pinch of salt optional, for the rim
Grapefruit slice and pomegranate seeds optional, for garnish

Ice cubes

Instructions

I start by running a lime wedge around the rim of my glass, then dipping it in salt if I want a salted rim.
I fill the glass with ice and set it aside.
In my shaker, I add tequila, grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

I add ice to the shaker, then shake it hard for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
I strain the mixture into my prepared glass over fresh ice.
I top off the drink with club soda or sparkling water and gently stir it with a spoon.

For a finishing touch, I garnish with a grapefruit slice or a few pomegranate seeds if I want it to look extra appealing.

Notes

I always use fresh juice for the best flavor, but bottled options can work in a pinch.

If I find the drink too tart, I add a touch more simple syrup.

For less alcohol, I use less tequila or more club soda.

Using pink grapefruit gives a sweeter taste, while white grapefruit is more bitter.

The cocktail is also easy to make non-alcoholic—just leave out the tequila and add more grapefruit and club soda.

Serving this in a salt-rimmed glass helps balance the sweet and tart flavors.

Adjusting the pomegranate juice or syrup makes the drink suit my preferences.

I always use plenty of ice to keep it cool and refreshing.

Tasting Notes

When I taste the Pomegranate Paloma, the first thing I notice is the bright, ruby-red color.

It looks refreshing and vivid in a glass, with a touch of elegance.

The aroma is crisp and citrusy.

I can smell the fresh grapefruit and a hint of pomegranate, along with a light scent of tequila.

With my first sip, I experience a blend of flavors:

A slight tartness from the pomegranate
Fresh sweetness from grapefruit juice

A gentle bite of tequila
A crisp, fizzy finish from soda water

The texture is light and effervescent.

There’s a smooth mix of tangy and sweet, with no flavor overpowering another.

If I add a wedge of lime or a salted rim, it introduces extra brightness and a touch of savory note.

Every sip stays balanced, making it an easy drink to enjoy on a warm day or as a colorful option at gatherings.

Must Have Ingredients

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	Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails	Buy On Amazon

Substitute

Sometimes, I just don’t have every ingredient for a Pomegranate Paloma. Here are a few swaps I actually like:

Ingredients

When tequila’s missing, I’ll grab mezcal instead. It gives the drink a smokier edge.
No fresh pomegranate juice? Cranberry juice fills in surprisingly well.
For a booze-free version, club soda or sparkling water stands in for tequila.

If I’m out of grapefruit soda, I’ll just mix grapefruit juice with some plain soda. Not exactly the same, but it works.

Instructions

I toss these substitutes together in the same order as the usual recipe.
Measurements stay pretty close for balance, though I don’t stress about being exact.

Tasting and tweaking is part of the fun—sometimes it needs more juice or an extra splash of soda if it comes out too strong.

Equipment

A cocktail shaker is nice, but honestly, a jar with a lid does the trick if that’s all I’ve got.
Any glass works for serving—I’m not fancy about it.

Tips

Sometimes I squeeze in a little lime juice for extra freshness. It just wakes everything up.
If I need sugar or a diet option, I use whatever’s hanging around in the kitchen. No big deal.

Pomegranate Paloma Cocktail Recipe