Paloma Cocktail
The Paloma Cocktail is Mexico's most beloved tequila drink — bright, bubbly, and effortlessly refreshing. Made with fresh grapefruit juice, a squeeze of lime, blanco tequila, and topped with fizzy grapefruit soda in a salt-rimmed glass, this classic cocktail comes together in just 5 minutes and delivers a perfectly balanced mix of tart citrus, subtle sweetness, and clean agave flavor in every sip.
Equipment
- Citrus juicer or handheld reamer For squeezing fresh grapefruit and lime
- Highball or Collins glass 12–16 oz capacity recommended
- Cocktail jigger For accurate measuring
- Small flat plate For salting the rim
- Long bar spoon For gentle stirring; a regular spoon works too
- Large ice cube molds (optional) Large cubes melt slower and keep the drink less diluted
- Sharp knife and cutting board For slicing garnish
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 2 oz blanco tequila 60ml; 100% agave recommended
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice 30ml; about half a medium grapefruit, strained
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice 15ml; about half a lime
- 1/2 oz simple syrup 15ml; or agave nectar for a more complex sweetness
- 4 oz grapefruit soda 120ml; Jarritos Toronja, Squirt, or Fresca recommended; chilled
For the Salt Rim
- coarse kosher salt or flaky sea salt Spread on a small flat plate for rimming
- grapefruit wedge For moistening the rim and for garnish
For Serving
- ice Large cubes preferred for slower melting
- grapefruit wedge or half-wheel For garnish; a thin lime wheel may also be added
Instructions
- Spread coarse salt on a flat plate. Run a cut grapefruit wedge around the outer rim of your glass, then roll the moistened rim through the salt until evenly coated. Set the glass aside while you prepare the drink.
- Squeeze fresh grapefruit to get 1 oz (30ml) of juice and fresh lime to get ½ oz (15ml). Strain both juices through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds and set aside.
- Add several large ice cubes to your salt-rimmed glass, filling it about two-thirds full. Large cubes are preferred because they melt more slowly and keep the drink cold without over-diluting it.
- Pour the blanco tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup (or agave nectar) directly over the ice. Use 100% agave blanco tequila for the cleanest, most authentic flavor.
- Using a bar spoon, stir the tequila and citrus mixture gently for 10–15 seconds to combine the flavors. Avoid vigorous stirring so you don't break up the ice prematurely.
- Slowly pour the chilled grapefruit soda down the side of the glass to preserve the carbonation, then give the drink one or two gentle stirs to combine. Leave a little room at the top before adding the garnish.
- Perch a fresh grapefruit wedge or half-wheel on the rim of the glass, add a straw if desired, and serve immediately while the drink is cold and the soda is still fizzy.
Notes
- Always use fresh-squeezed grapefruit and lime juice for the best flavor — bottled juice lacks the brightness and complexity of fresh citrus.
- Choose a 100% agave blanco tequila for a clean, smooth drink. Mid-range options like Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, or Hornitos work great without overspending.
- Jarritos Toronja is the most authentic grapefruit soda for a Paloma. Squirt or Fresca are excellent American alternatives.
- Adjust sweetness to taste — grapefruit varies in tartness by season. Start with ¼ oz simple syrup and add more if needed after tasting.
- For a spicy Paloma, muddle 2–3 thin jalapeño slices in the glass before adding ice.
- Substitute mezcal for blanco tequila (or use a 50/50 blend) to make a Smoky Paloma with extra depth.
- To batch for a party: mix tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add grapefruit soda per glass at serving time.
- Fresh citrus juice can be squeezed up to 24 hours ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Chill your glasses in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before serving for an extra-cold, refreshing cocktail.
- Do not assemble the full cocktail (with soda) in advance — carbonation dissipates quickly. Always add soda right before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1CocktailCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 18gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 95mgSugar: 14gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg
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