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This Paloma recipe is a light and refreshing Mexican drink made with tequila, grapefruit, lime, and sparkling water or club soda. It’s easy to make and delicious year-round!
If you like margaritas, you’ll definitely enjoy this Mexican paloma recipe! This classic Mexican cocktail combines tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime, and a splash of sparkling water. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a drink that’s both refreshing and easy to make. Here’s why I love this recipe:
- Simple ingredients: The paloma drink is made with just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Versatile: You can enjoy this drink year-round, thanks to its refreshing citrus flavor that suits both summer and winter months.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer it sweeter or more tart, you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste.
What is a Paloma?
A paloma is a traditional Mexican cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit juice. Unlike a classic margarita, which uses orange liqueur, the paloma has a light, slightly bitter taste thanks to the grapefruit. This drink is often served over ice and garnished with a lime wedge for a fresh, zesty touch.
Paloma Recipe Ingredients
- Tequila: The star of the paloma, tequila adds a rich, earthy flavor. Blanco tequila is best for its crisp taste, but you can also use reposado or añejo tequila if you prefer a more complex flavor profile.
- Grapefruit juice: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice adds a bright, tangy flavor. You can use bottled grapefruit juice or even grapefruit soda (like the Mexican Jarritos brand) for convenience.
- Lime juice: A splash of lime juice enhances the citrusy notes and adds a slight tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Sparkling water: To add a little fizz, use sparkling water or club soda. This gives the paloma its signature refreshing quality.
- Sweetener (optional): If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch of simple syrup or agave nectar.
- Salt: Rim your glass with salt for a classic Paloma experience. The salt enhances the citrus flavors and adds a savory touch.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh grapefruit and lime juice. Bottled juices can be used in a pinch, but fresh juice will make a noticeable difference.
- Adjust to taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tartness of your Paloma. Add some sweetener like agave nectar or simple syrup if you like, or more lime juice for extra tartness.
- Chill your ingredients: For a truly refreshing drink, make sure all your ingredients are well-chilled before mixing.
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a few slices of jalapeño to your drink for a spicy kick.
- Make it frozen and slushy: Blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen version of this classic cocktail, perfect for hot days!
- Give it an herbal twist: Muddle some fresh mint or basil leaves in your glass for a really delicious and refreshing twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
A paloma is made with a few simple ingredients – tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit juice (or soda). If using grapefruit juice, sparkling water is also added to provide that fizz factor.
A margarita is a mix of tequila, lime juice, and some orange liqueur, while a paloma is tequila with grapefruit soda or juice and a splash of lime. The margarita has a tangy citrus kick, and the paloma is more refreshing with a hint of sweetness from the grapefruit.
Blanco tequila is best for its crisp and refreshing taste, which a paloma is known for.
More Mexican Cocktail Recipes
Paloma Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces blanco tequila blanco or reposado
- 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ ounce lime juice about 1 tablespoon
- 2 ounces sparkling water or club soda
- Lime wedge and kosher salt for rimming glass
- Ice
Instructions
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the glass in kosher salt and fill with ice.
- Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
- Top off with sparkling water and garnish with a lime wedge.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh grapefruit and lime juice. Bottled juices can be used in a pinch, but fresh juice will make a noticeable difference.
- Adjust to taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tartness of your Paloma. Add some sweetener like agave nectar or simple syrup if you like, or more lime juice for extra tartness.
- Chill your ingredients: For a truly refreshing drink, make sure all your ingredients are well-chilled before mixing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by Erin Jensen of The Wooden Skillet.
This post was originally published in October 2017 and has been updated with new photos and more helpful tips.
Hi there, can you tell me where you got this glassware? I really like it 🙂