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!

A paloma cocktail with a lime garnish and a slice off grapefruit in the background
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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!

A paloma recipe on a marble surface with a slice of lime for garnish

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
Ingredients for a paloma cocktail laid out on a marble surface

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.
A paloma cocktial being poured over ice in a glass

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!

A paloma cocktial being poured over ice in a glass


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.

A paloma cocktail with a lime garnish and a slice off grapefruit in the background

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Calories are in a Paloma?

When made with Izzy sparkling grapefruit juice this cocktail comes in at around 160 calories, making it one of summer’s lightest cocktails! Believe me, you won’t miss the calories in this summer cocktail!

How Many Carbs are in a Paloma?

You can probably tell from the abundance of pasta recipes I share here that I don’t like to count carbs, but if you do, the Paloma has just seven grams of carbs when you use Izze!

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!

Serving Suggestions

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
A paloma cocktail with a lime garnish and a slice off grapefruit in the background

Hungry for more easy recipes? Sign up for my free recipe club and have amazing recipes delivered directly to your inbox each week!

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

More Cocktail Inspiration

A paloma cocktail with a lime garnish and a slice off grapefruit in the background
5 from 8 votes

Paloma

A Paloma is a popular cocktail in Mexico made with grapefruit flavored soda, tequila and lime. It’s a delicious alternative to a skinny margarita that is full of flavor yet low calorie!
Prep: 3 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 3 minutes
Servings: 1
Pin Rate Print

Ingredients  

  • crushed ice
  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 2 ounces Sparkling Grapefruit Juice or Soda I like Izze – use Fresca for an even lower calorie option.
  • ½ ounce lime juice

Instructions 

  • Fill a glass with crushed ice.
  • Add tequila and sparkling grapefruit.
  • Squeeze a lime wedge into the drink and garnish with a fresh slice of lime.

Julie’s Tips

Recipe Tips and 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.
  • 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.
  • Want it a little less sweet? Add a little club soda.
Serving: 5ounces | Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 110mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.

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4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Oh m goodness does this look so delicious! I’m bookmarking this for the weekend! I can’t wait to make this!