Refreshing Paloma Cocktail Recipe

The Paloma is more than just a cocktail,it’s Mexico’s unofficial drink of summer, served tall, fizzy, and effortlessly elegant. Unlike its better-known cousin, the Margarita, the Paloma balances the bold flavor of tequila with the tart-sweet complexity of grapefruit and lime, finished with a splash of sparkling soda. It’s crisp, refreshing, and made for slow sipping on hot days or lively evenings. This refined version honors the tradition but adds expert technique for perfect balance every time.

Ingredients List

For the cocktail

• 2 oz high-quality blanco tequila
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice (pink or ruby red preferred)
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz agave syrup (or simple syrup, to taste)
• 2 oz sparkling water or club soda (unsweetened)
• Ice cubes (clear if available, for presentation)

For garnish and rim (optional)

• Grapefruit wedge or twist
• Coarse sea salt or Tajín for the rim
• Lime wheel (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the glass

If using salt or Tajín, rub the rim of a highball glass with a wedge of grapefruit or lime, then dip it in your chosen rimming salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the cocktail

In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.

Step 3: Strain and pour

Strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass filled with fresh ice.

Step 4: Top and garnish

Top with sparkling water or club soda. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or twist and a lime wheel if desired.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately while chilled and effervescent. Encourage sipping slowly to enjoy the layered citrus profile.

Cook Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings

1 cocktail (can easily be scaled up for a crowd)

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

• Calories: 160
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugars: 9g
• Alcohol: 14g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 0g

Storage Instructions

This cocktail is best made fresh and served immediately. However, you can pre-mix the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sweetener up to 24 hours ahead. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Only add sparkling water and ice when serving to preserve the fizz.

Suggestions

• Use freshly squeezed juice for best results,bottled juice dulls the flavor.
• For a spicy twist, muddle a slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding other ingredients.
• Swap sparkling water for grapefruit soda for a sweeter, more classic Mexican version.
• Make it a pitcher cocktail by multiplying the recipe and mixing in advance (minus the soda).

Seasonal Relevance

While the Paloma is most associated with summer thanks to its citrusy brightness, it’s suitable year-round in warm climates or festive occasions. In winter, it brings a splash of sunshine to your cocktail menu, especially when citrus is at peak freshness.

Conclusion

This refreshing Paloma cocktail recipe is the ultimate balance of spirit, citrus, and sparkle. It’s clean, vibrant, and surprisingly nuanced, perfect for both casual backyard gatherings and elevated cocktail hours. Crafted with expert proportions and fresh ingredients, it embodies what great cocktails are all about: simplicity with sophistication.

FAQs

Can I make a Paloma without alcohol?
Yes, just omit the tequila and increase the grapefruit juice. Add a touch more agave syrup and top with sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version.

What’s the best tequila for a Paloma?
A smooth, 100% agave blanco tequila is ideal. Look for brands that are clean and peppery without harshness.

Can I use grapefruit soda instead of fresh juice?
Absolutely. Many traditional Palomas in Mexico are made with Jarritos or Squirt. This version is fresher, but soda-based ones are equally valid.