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    Home » Recipes » Cocktails » Fresh Paloma Cocktail

    LAST UPDATED: February 1, 2022 • FIRST PUBLISHED: May 4, 2020 By Toni Dash 26 Comments

    Fresh Paloma Cocktail

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Paloma cocktail title

    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.

    Paloma cocktail title

    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!

    Paloma cocktail plus ingredients

    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. 

    Paloma cocktail plus ingredients

    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 
    Paloma cocktail

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER and PINTEREST!

    Recipe

    Paloma cocktail title

    Fresh Paloma Cocktail

    The Paloma is a refreshing, thirst-quenching alternative to the traditional Margarita. This version is made with freshly-squeezed grapefruit and lime juices, smooth tequila and filled with Club Soda. Citrus fruit can vary in sweetness so if the grapefruit juice is naturally too sweet, a bit of agave nectar can be added to sweeten it up if desired. A perfect warm-weather sipper or for Cinco de Mayo celebrating!
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Cocktail
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 128kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 91mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 19.7mg | Iron: 0.2mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally published: April 30, 2014

    « Broccoli Salad recipe
    Queso Fundido – Spicy Mexican Cheese Appetizer Dip »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sara Welch says

      May 02, 2020 at 1:20 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite cocktails! I can’t wait to enjoy this after a long day working in the yard; so delicious!

      Reply
    2. Matt Taylor says

      May 02, 2020 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      I don’t drink alcohol but can easily leave it out! Thanks for sharing, looks so refreshing. 🙂

      Reply
    3. Veena Azmanov says

      May 02, 2020 at 12:53 pm

      5 stars
      Best for the season and best for the evening to chill out refreshing ourselves with friends and fly.

      Reply
    4. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

      May 01, 2014 at 8:07 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        May 01, 2014 at 8:34 pm

        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!

        Reply
    5. Pamela Morse says

      May 01, 2014 at 12:11 pm

      These are pretty, and I am a huge fan of the grapefruit based cocktail. I think I will make it as a mojito.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        May 01, 2014 at 12:30 pm

        That would be good too Pamela!

        Reply
    6. Wendy | Around My Family Table says

      April 30, 2014 at 10:01 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    7. Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon says

      April 30, 2014 at 4:35 pm

      This is absolutely gorgeous! I love palomas! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        April 30, 2014 at 8:52 pm

        Thank you Lisa! Now that I’ve made this, I love them too!

        Reply
    8. marla says

      April 30, 2014 at 2:21 pm

      5 stars
      Totally in LOVE with this cocktail & the photos 🙂

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        April 30, 2014 at 4:02 pm

        Thank you Marla! This cocktail was worth waiting for.

        Reply
    9. Coleen @ The Redhead Baker says

      April 30, 2014 at 12:52 pm

      Too funny that you posted about these today — I only just heard about them the other day! They sound so refreshing!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        April 30, 2014 at 1:04 pm

        So glad to know I’m not the only one who is making the discovery Colleen! They are certainly worth the wait.

        Reply
    10. Rebecca {foodie with family} says

      April 30, 2014 at 10:31 am

      I feel like I’ve been missing out my whole life! I’ve never had a Paloma! Must. Fix. Soon.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        April 30, 2014 at 1:05 pm

        Join the club Rebecca! Once you’ve had one you’ll be glad you discovered them just in time for the summer heat.

        Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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