Easy Paloma Cocktail

A paloma is a popular cocktail in Mexico, made with grapefruit flavored soda, tequila and lime. This paloma recipe is a delicious alternative to a margarita that is full of juicy grapefruit flavor!

Made with tequila, grapefruit juice and lime juice, this is the most refreshing cocktail around! Try one for yourself and see if you’ll skip the margarita next time and choose a paloma instead!

It’s finally starting to feel a little like spring here in Missouri! Yes, that means I’m thinking about sunshine and summer days… and I’m ready to celebrate with my favorite fresh cocktails. 

I love sharing my favorite cocktail recipes with you. Just recently I brought you a spicy jalapeno margarita, as well as this premium Cadillac margarita. I’ve even got a complete guide to all my margarita recipes, and a tequila guide to help you choose the BEST tequila for your cocktails. 

If you have a cocktail recipe you’d like to share or you’re looking for a specific recipe, let me know! 

While I love a fresh mixed, made-from-scratch cocktail, I also like a shortcut when it works well! This Paloma does just that- fresh and full of flavor, but oh so easy. If you think you love a classic margarita, just wait until you try this combo of tequila and grapefruit flavors!

What is a Paloma?

It’s a simple three ingredient cocktail that is light and refreshing on a hot summer day, without all of the calories. This grapefruit, lime and tequila concoction is better known as a Paloma, one of Mexico’s most popular cocktails.

If you watch Andy Cohen (or have seen him with Martha Stewart), you know he loves a Fresquila. He regularly mixes them up on Watch What Happens Live and frequently refers to them… and it’s no wonder why! 

While a traditional paloma is made with grapefruit and lime juice along with tequila, simple syrup and club soda, this one takes a little shortcut. I know you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love this Paloma Recipe

It is a light, refreshing, low calorie cocktail recipe that’s full of flavor. If you love skinny margaritas, you’ll love this little refreshing citrus twist. 

It’s easy to make on the go, requiring just three simple ingredients! I often enjoy sipping on one on the dock, boat or poolside. They’re easy to pack for picnics and any outdoor festivities or outing.

• Easy to Make
• Minimal Ingredients
• Fresh and Vibrant
• Great for Parties

Paloma Ingredients

Many traditional paloma recipes include grapefruit juice plus club soda and simple syrup. I’m taking a shortcut here for a three ingredient paloma that is just as delicious!

• Sparkling Grapefruit Juice – Take a shortcut with a can of Izze Sparkling Grapefruit Juice, Fresca (grapefruit soda), or any grapefruit sparkling water.
• Lime Juice – Much like a margarita, the sweet and sour flavor of lime is imperative to this cocktail. Fresh squeezed is best but you can use the bottled kind from the product section if that’s what you have on hand.
• Tequila – Blanco or Silver tequila works well here. Read more about the best tequila for palomas below.
• Salt – Use thick flakes of sea salt or tajin for this cocktail.

How to Make a Paloma

1. Fill a highball glass with crushed ice.
2. First you’ll add the tequila, filling the glass with sparkling grapefruit juice next.
3. Squeeze a lime wedge into the drink and garnish with a fresh slice of lime.

Variations

• Optional: salt rim of a highball glass by rimming it with grapefruit or lime juice. Then dip the rim into margarita or kosher salt.
• Try Mezcal instead of tequila. Mezcal offers a deeper, smokier flavor you might enjoy.
• Want it a little less sweet? Add a little more club soda.
• If you want to create a sweeter paloma cocktail, use a can of soda instead of the sparkling grapefruit juice or Fresca. You can use Jarrito’s grapefruit soda (which is most often used in Mexico) or Squirt, but Fresca has zero calories.

Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!

Shortcuts

• Buy store bought lime juice instead of fresh squeezed.

What’s the Best Tequila for a Paloma? 

I tend to prefer a blanco (silver) tequila for palomas. They are light, fresh, and easy to drink. There’s no need to waste your best tequila bottle here!

Why? The grapefruit soda flavor will overpower any delicate finesse to the flavor of a higher-end tequila. Blancos are more agave-forward in flavor and work beautifully for cocktails like this classic paloma! 

If you’re curious about tequila, don’t miss my tequila guide. It will give you so much insight for your next trip to the liquor store – you’ll be full of knowledge about this easy-sipping spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Julie’s Tips

• Sip, Adjust – If you prefer a sweeter paloma, add an extra splash of agave or simple syrup. For more tartness, squeeze in extra lime. Have fun making it the way you like it!
• Ice matters. Our favorite ice is from this countertop ice maker. We love it so much for cocktails and beyond!
• Without salt – Personally, I prefer my palomas without salt on the rim of the glass – unlike margaritas. It’s just a personal preference! 
• Garnish with grapefruit wedge or lime wedge if you prefer.
• Spice it up! Like a little heat with your sweet? Make it a spicy paloma by adding a couple jalapeño slices!

How to Store

• At Room Temperature – For up to two hours before and after serving.
• Refrigerate – Store these palomas in the fridge for up to 48 hours after serving. They will lose some of the bubbles but still be delicious, and you can always top off with more sparkling grapefruit juice or club soda!
• Freeze – To turn these palomas into a frozen slushy!

Dietary Considerations

• Gluten Free
• Dairy Free
• Nut Free

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Hope you enjoy this easy Paloma recipe as much as I do! Summer has never tasted better!

More Cocktail Inspiration

• Vodka Mojito
• Watermelon Mojito
• Grapefruit Mimosa
• Wine Margarita
• Spicy Jalapeño Margarita
• Champagne Margarita
• Mint Margarita