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.
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
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
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.
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.
