Fresh Paloma Cocktail

A fresh Paloma Cocktail is a refreshing delicious drink full of grapefruit juice and tequila! A great thirst quenching alternative to a margarita in any season.

If you love a fresh-style cocktail the Paloma cocktail if one you’ll love.

It’s a refreshing cocktail that’s easy and fast to prepare.

You’ll want to keep this Paloma cocktail recipe near by to take the heat out of the hottest of summer days.

Perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrating too!

Jump to:

• What is a Paloma Cocktail?
• Ingredients
• Ingredient Notes
• What Type of Tequila to Use
• Want a Sweeter Cocktail?
• More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love!
• Recipe

What is a Paloma Cocktail?

The Paloma cocktail is a kissing cousin to the margarita.

It is traditionally made with grapefruit soda making it slightly fizzy.

It is also fantastic made with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.

This recipe is made with freshly juiced grapefruit and lime, a bit of tequila and filled with sparkling Club Soda.

The cocktail is quenching and light; sure to become a favorite for you too!

Ingredients

• Grapefruit Juice
• Lime Juice
• Tequila
• Club Soda or Sparkling Water

Ingredient Notes

Use Freshly Squeezed Juice

Though purchased juice can be used the flavor of freshly squeezed juice make a big difference in a cocktail.

PRO TIP: place any citrus fruit in the microwave for 10 seconds before juicing to yield more juice!

Grapefruit can be halved and hand squeezed. Or use a traditional glass or plastic juicer (also called a ‘reamer’).

To juice limes I recommend a hand held juicer to release the most juice.

• Halve the lime (width wise)
• Place half of the lime in the juice and squeeze.
• Flip the lime the opposite way and squeeze again.

What Type of Tequila to Use

I recommend Reposado tequila for the Paloma cocktail.

There are three main types of tequila:

Blanco (White) or Silver: these tequilas have not been aged and are usually less than 3 months old.

Reposado: this type of tequila has been ‘rested’. It has spent at least 2 months in an oak barrel making it smoother to drink with more developed flavors.

Anejo: has been aged at least 1 year in the same oak barrel.

Reposado tequila creates a well-balanced flavor profile for the cocktail and is smoother to drink.

This makes for a more enjoyable cocktail.

Shortcut Preparation

If grapefruit soda is available, that can be swapped in to replace the combined amount of grapefruit juice and Club Soda.

Want a Sweeter Cocktail?

Citrus fruit can vary in sweetness. If the grapefruit juice is too tart, add a bit of agave nectar or simple syrup to sweeten it up if desired. 

More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love!

• Freestyle Margaritas (made with muddled fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs)
• Watermelon Margaritas + homemade Watermelon-Infused Tequila
• Smoky Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita
• Grapefruit Margarita 
• Blood Orange Ginger Margarita 

Recipe

Originally published: April 30, 2014