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!
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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
Fresh Paloma Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces freshly squeezed Grapefruit Juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed Lime Juice
- 1 1/2 ounce Reposado Tequila
- Club Soda to fill
- Optional: Agave Nectar to sweeten if desired
- Garnish: small grapefruit wedge
Instructions
- In a shaker with ice combine the grapefruit juice, lime juice and tequila. Shake vigorous and strain into a high ball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Fill with Club Soda and garnish.
Nutrition
Originally published: April 30, 2014
Sara Welch says
This is one of my favorite cocktails! I can’t wait to enjoy this after a long day working in the yard; so delicious!
Matt Taylor says
I don’t drink alcohol but can easily leave it out! Thanks for sharing, looks so refreshing. 🙂
Veena Azmanov says
Best for the season and best for the evening to chill out refreshing ourselves with friends and fly.
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
Seeing that I’m a big tequila fan… and I love margaritas… I will have to try out the paloma. I am also a sucker for grapefruit cocktails, so I’m definitely trying this.
Toni Dash says
Well since we are tracking exactly on your first two qualities I feel quite confident you’d love this! It’s fresh, and bright, with the effect of a Margarita but in a different package!
Pamela Morse says
These are pretty, and I am a huge fan of the grapefruit based cocktail. I think I will make it as a mojito.
Toni Dash says
That would be good too Pamela!
Wendy | Around My Family Table says
We have a HUGE grapefruit tree that produces a ton of fruit every spring. I can never use them up fast enough…but I think this might just help with that little problem. This cocktail sounds delicious and refreshing Toni!
Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon says
This is absolutely gorgeous! I love palomas! Pinned!
Toni Dash says
Thank you Lisa! Now that I’ve made this, I love them too!
marla says
Totally in LOVE with this cocktail & the photos 🙂
Toni Dash says
Thank you Marla! This cocktail was worth waiting for.
Coleen @ The Redhead Baker says
Too funny that you posted about these today — I only just heard about them the other day! They sound so refreshing!
Toni Dash says
So glad to know I’m not the only one who is making the discovery Colleen! They are certainly worth the wait.
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
I feel like I’ve been missing out my whole life! I’ve never had a Paloma! Must. Fix. Soon.
Toni Dash says
Join the club Rebecca! Once you’ve had one you’ll be glad you discovered them just in time for the summer heat.