Paloma Cocktail Recipe
The Paloma is a cocktail you’ll be sipping all summer long. Reminiscent of its Mexican cousin, the Margarita, this Paloma cocktail recipe is fresh and tart but fruitier due to the grapefruit soda.
The Paloma cocktail is crisp and tart but very well balanced.
Pin the Paloma cocktail to make later.
Table of Contents
What ingredients do I need to make a Paloma Cocktail?
Just a few ingredients and you’re on your way to enjoying a refreshing Paloma.
- Tequila (I like a reposado)
- Grapefruit Soda (I used Squirt though Fresca is another grapefruit soda)
- Lime Juice
You may be wondering about grapefruit soda. Well, we have a couple on the market here in the US. I used Squirt, though Fresca is another choice. IZZE makes one too but I find that to be too sweet.
Can I use fresh grapefruit juice in a Paloma?
Yes, you can is the short answer. The long answer is you will need more ingredients. See, a traditional Paloma has carbonation. If you just use grapefruit juice, you won’t get that and grapefruit tends to be very tart.
If you do choose to go the grapefruit juice route, pink grapefruit makes a prettier cocktail. Balance the flavor with a splash of club soda plus it adds the fizz you’d get if you used soda.
If you can’t find Squirt, Fresca is a good substitute, as I mentioned above.
What type of tequila should I use in a Paloma recipe?
The grapefruit dominates the tequila just a bit but not so much that you can’t taste it. For this reason, I recommend a Reposado tequila. A reposado is not aged as long as an Añejo and should be less expensive.
You can’t go wrong with using a Blanco, or silver, tequila either if it’s what you have on hand.
If you have silver and don’t want to venture out, use it. Silver has a bit more of a bite and that paired with the grapefruit could be overpowering. If you have some club soda add a splash to soften it. Taste first though.
A bit of history about the Paloma
When people think of a Cinco de Mayo cocktail, they usually think of a margarita. Here’s a little Paloma cocktail history. It’s a tequila drink that has its origins in Mexico. Paloma translates to dove and research suggests the concoction was created by the bartender and owner of La Capilla in Tequila, Mexico.
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Find more tequila drinks
- The Best Margarita Recipe
- Blueberry Margarita
- The Ultimate Margarita Collection
- The Mexican Michelada
The Paloma Cocktail Recipe
The printable recipe is below. For an extra special touch for this cocktail, freeze some of the grapefruit soda in an ice cube tray and use it in place of ice. Your drink won’t become diluted.
Paloma Cocktail
Ingredients
- 6 ounces grapefruit soda such as Squirt
- 2 ounces Reposado tequila
- 1 ½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- In a glass add ice, grapefruit soda, tequila and lime juice. Gently stir to mix.
- Garnish glass with a lime wheel and enjoy!
This looks so refreshing and perfect for a summertime drink. It reminds me of my Grandmother who always drank some Squirt cocktail when I was a kid.
I cannot recallt he last time I have a paloma. Definitely a great summer cocktail.