Holiday Spiced Cranberry Paloma Cocktail
A festive Paloma riff that blends tequila, grapefruit, cranberry, and a cozy spiced syrup—finished with a lively splash of soda. Bright, fizzy, and holiday‑ready.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Citrus juicer
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Bar spoon
- Small saucepan
- Highball or collins glass
- Ice cubes or crushed ice
- Small plate for rimming
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila blanco or silver tequila
- 2 oz grapefruit juice freshly squeezed
- 1 oz cranberry juice or pomegranate juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice fresh
- 0.75 oz spiced simple syrup cinnamon, cloves, vanilla
- soda water or sparkling water 1–2 oz, to top
- ice for shaking and serving
- sugared cranberries for garnish
- dried grapefruit slice or lime wedge for garnish
- star anise or cinnamon stick optional, for aroma
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add tequila, grapefruit juice, cranberry (or pomegranate) juice, lime juice, and spiced simple syrup.
- Shake for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a highball or Collins glass packed with fresh ice.
- Garnish with sugared cranberries and a dried grapefruit slice or lime wedge. Add star anise or a cinnamon stick if desired.
- Mocktail: omit tequila and add extra sparkling or pomegranate juice.
Notes
Make spiced syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a piece of vanilla bean; strain and chill. Adjust sweetness with more syrup or brightness with extra lime. Keep ingredients cold and chill the glass for a crisper sip.