The Paloma is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail that perfectly balances the tangy flavors of grapefruit and lime. This classic Mexican drink is ideal for hot summer days or any time you need a zesty pick-me-up. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, the Paloma is a delightful choice for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
While most of the ingredients for the Paloma are common, you might need to visit a well-stocked supermarket or liquor store for the blanco tequila and grapefruit soda. Blanco tequila is a clear, unaged tequila that provides a smooth and crisp flavor. Grapefruit soda, often found in the international or specialty drinks section, adds the essential citrusy sweetness to the cocktail.

Ingredients For Paloma Recipe
Tequila: Preferably blanco tequila, which is clear and unaged, offering a smooth and crisp flavor.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a tangy and zesty kick to the cocktail.
Grapefruit soda: Chilled grapefruit soda provides the essential citrusy sweetness and effervescence.
Salt: A pinch of salt for rimming the glass enhances the overall flavor profile.
Grapefruit: A slice of grapefruit for garnish adds a decorative and aromatic touch.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your Paloma, consider using freshly squeezed grapefruit juice instead of grapefruit soda. This will give your drink a more natural and vibrant taste. Simply mix the grapefruit juice with a splash of club soda to maintain the refreshing fizz.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
blanco tequila - Substitute with reposado tequila: Reposado tequila has a slightly aged flavor that can add depth to the Paloma while still maintaining the essence of tequila.
blanco tequila - Substitute with mezcal: Mezcal offers a smoky flavor that can give the Paloma a unique twist.
freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though it will slightly alter the taste profile.
freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with bottled lime juice: Bottled lime juice is a convenient alternative, though it may lack the freshness of freshly squeezed juice.
chilled grapefruit soda - Substitute with grapefruit juice and club soda: Mixing grapefruit juice with club soda can mimic the effervescence and flavor of grapefruit soda.
chilled grapefruit soda - Substitute with lemon-lime soda and a splash of grapefruit juice: This combination can replicate the citrusy and fizzy elements of grapefruit soda.
salt - Substitute with sugar: For a sweeter rim, sugar can be used instead of salt, offering a different flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with tajin: Tajin adds a spicy and tangy kick to the rim, enhancing the overall flavor of the Paloma.
grapefruit slice - Substitute with lime slice: A lime slice can serve as a garnish, providing a complementary citrus note.
grapefruit slice - Substitute with orange slice: An orange slice offers a different citrus flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Drink
How to Store or Freeze This Drink
To keep your Paloma fresh, store any leftover tequila mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its crisp, refreshing flavor.
If you have extra grapefruit soda, keep it chilled in the fridge. Once opened, it should be consumed within a week to ensure it retains its fizz and vibrant taste.
For the lime juice, freshly squeezed is always best, but if you need to store it, place it in a small, airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. You can also freeze lime juice in ice cube trays for longer storage, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
The grapefruit slices used for garnish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Lay the slices flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
If you want to prepare the Paloma in advance for a party, mix the tequila and lime juice together and store in the fridge. Add the grapefruit soda and ice just before serving to keep the drink fizzy and refreshing.
Avoid freezing the entire Paloma cocktail as the grapefruit soda will lose its carbonation and the texture of the drink will be compromised. Instead, prepare the components separately and combine them when ready to serve.
For a quick and easy serving option, pre-salt the rims of your glasses and store them in the fridge. This way, when it's time to serve, you can simply pour the prepared mixture over ice and garnish with a grapefruit slice.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Place the leftover Paloma in a sealed container and refrigerate it to maintain its freshness.
- When ready to enjoy, pour the Paloma into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- If the grapefruit soda has lost its fizz, add a splash of fresh grapefruit soda to revive the effervescence.
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients without diluting the flavors.
- Garnish with a fresh slice of grapefruit to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Rocks glass: A short, wide glass perfect for serving the Paloma over ice.
Lime wedge: Used to moisten the rim of the glass before dipping it in salt.
Salt dish: A small dish to hold the salt for rimming the glass.
Ice: Essential for chilling the drink and keeping it refreshing.
Jigger: A measuring tool to ensure you add the correct amount of tequila and lime juice.
Bar spoon: Used for gently stirring the drink after adding the grapefruit soda.
Knife: For slicing the grapefruit garnish.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the grapefruit slice for garnish.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Measure out the tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use pre-chilled glassware: Keep your glasses in the freezer so they are ready to go and your Paloma stays cold longer.
Opt for bottled lime juice: If you're in a rush, use high-quality bottled lime juice instead of squeezing fresh limes.
Batch your drinks: Make a large batch of Paloma in a pitcher to serve multiple guests quickly.
Pre-slice garnishes: Slice your grapefruit ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Paloma Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila Preferably blanco
- ½ oz Lime juice Freshly squeezed
- 4 oz Grapefruit soda Chilled
- 1 pinch Salt For rim
- 1 slice Grapefruit For garnish
Instructions
- 1. Rim the glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it in salt.
- 2. Fill the glass with ice.
- 3. Add tequila and lime juice to the glass.
- 4. Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently.
- 5. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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