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.
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.