Our paloma mix is made with just 3 ingredients – all you’ll need to add is tequila! This make-ahead fresh paloma mix makes it easy to shake up everyone’s favorite paloma cocktail for parties.
Bursting with sweet, bright notes of grapefruit and lime, this just might be your new favorite cocktail. With lower calories than a bottled store bought mix, we’re making it easy to serve a crowd, and this mix makes 24 servings!
The best paloma mix is oh-so-simple! Skip the bottled mixes that are full of high fructose corn syrup and preservatives.
Our paloma mix can be made ahead if you’re hosting a party, or just want to keep the fresh mix in the refrigerator to whip up a cocktail on a whim.
Shopping List
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- Simple Syrup
- Grapefruit (fresh squeezed or bottled juice)
- Limes
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Simple Syrup – It’s so easy to make your own with just white granulated sugar and water! Or, buy a store bought bottle.
- Grapefruit Juice – Fresh is best! However, you can substitute with 100% grapefruit juice (with no sugar added).
- Lime Juice – Fresh makes a huge difference here, but if you’re in a hurry, substitute with bottled lime juice.
How Many Grapefruits and Limes do I Need?
- A standard grapefruit will produce about 3/4 cup of juice. Plan on 6 grapefruits to get the 4 cups needed for this recipe.
- Similarly, plan on about 8 limes to produce 1 cup lime juice.
Juicing Tips
- Bring limes and grapefruit to room temperature, roll on a hard surface, slice in half and squeeze. This helps get the most juice and make them easier to squeeze by hand.
- Use a Manual Juicer or KitchenAid Juicer Attachment to quickly juice limes without effort.
How to Serve
To make a paloma, use equal parts tequila and paloma mix. We like 2 ounces mix to 2 ounces tequila, but feel free to sip and adjust to your preferences.
To mix up a fresh paloma cocktail, just add ice and tequila. Shake or stir to serve!
Best Tequila for Palomas
Much like our advice for mixing up a margarita, expensive tequila isn’t always best for a mixed cocktail! We tend to recommend a Blanco or Silver tequila. These will have a more prominent agave flavor for a lighter, sweeter finish.
Drinks
The Ultimate Tequila Guide
Tequila has come a long way, hasn’t it? Discover the keys to choosing the BEST tequila for margaritas, along with the simple distinction between añejo, reposado, gold and silver tequilas. Expensive tequila isn’t necessarily best for margaritas- learn why! Read More
10 mins
Test Kitchen Tips
- Ice – Margaritas and palomas are so much better with great ice! It’s the secret to success. Our favorite ice is from this countertop ice maker.
- Salt – I prefer my palomas without salt on the rim of the glass, unlike margaritas. This is a personal preference, so give it a taste test and sip and see what you like best!
Host a Party
Add this paloma mix along with our homemade margarita mix and a variety of tequilas and fruits to set up Margarita Bar. Guests can customize their cocktails for the ultimate fiesta!
Entertaining
Margarita Bar
Learn how to set up a Margarita Bar for fun and effortless entertaining. A margarita bar is perfect for Cinco de Mayo, summertime holidays and events. Read More
15 mins
Storage Notes
Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze this paloma mix for up to 6 months! Try adding it to ice cube trays so you have divided servings, great for cocktails.
Paloma Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 4 cups grapefruit juice fresh squeezed (from approximately 6 grapefruits) or 100% juice (with no sugar added)
- 1 cup lime juice fresh squeezed (from approximately 8 limes) or 100% lime juice
Instructions
Simple Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, add sugar and water over medium heat. Whisk to combine, stirring frequently until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Paloma Mix
- Add simple syrup to a large pitcher or bottle. Add grapefruit juice and lime juice. Stir or seal and shake.
Julie’s Tips
- A standard grapefruit will produce about 3/4 cup of juice. Plan on 6 grapefruits to get the 4 cups needed for this recipe.
- Similarly, plan on about 8 limes to produce 1 cup lime juice.
- If you’re substituting with bottled grapefruit juice and lime juice, be sure to choose a brand that is 100% juice, with no added sugar.
- Want it a little less sweet? Add a little club soda. For a sweeter cocktail, add more grapefruit juice or a sparkling soda like FeverTree sparkling grapefruit.
To Serve
- Optional: Salt rim of a highball glass by rimming it with grapefruit or lime juice. Then dip the rim into margarita or kosher salt.
- Add ice to glass
- Add 2 ounces tequila
- Add 2 ounces mix
- Optional: top with sparkling water or club soda
