Enjoy the perfect Paloma cocktail recipe, a refreshing tequila drink with fresh grapefruit, a light and citrusy easy-to-make summer favorite. Let's make it!
Paloma Recipe
We're mixing up one of Patty's favorite cocktail recipes today, my friends. Care for a drink? It's called The Paloma, and I think you'll love it.
What is a Paloma?
A Paloma is a Mexican tequila cocktail known for it's citrusy flavors, particularly grapefruit. The name means "the dove" in Spanish.
It is sort of a cross between a margarita and a greyhound cocktail, a light and refreshing drink that's perfect for summer, though ready to be enjoyed all year long.
What You'll Love About This Cocktail
Our paloma recipe uses freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and fresh lime juice, topped with a few splashes of Topochico, a grapefruit flavored soda, though it's also great with Fresca or Squirt.
We add just a touch of agave for a welcomed dash of sweet, along with grapefruit bitters to pump up the citrus profile, though optional.
Come learn how to make a paloma.
Paloma Ingredients
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Tequila. Tequila blanco is best. Patty loves blanco tequila.
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice.
- Fresh Lime Juice.
- Simple Syrup. We use agave nectar.
- Grapefruit Bitters. Optional, for an extra citrus blast.
- Soda Water. Or use Fresca, Squirt, or Topochico (our preference). Or simple sparkling water.
- Ice.
- Coarse Sea Salt. Or use an equal combination of salt and tajin for a spicy kick.
- Garnish. Grapefruit wedge or wheel, lime wedge or wheel, pinch of salt.
How to Make a Paloma - the Recipe Method
- Shake together the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup (agave), and grapefruit bitters (if using) in a shaker with ice.
- Rub a cocktail glass with a lime wedge then rim it with salt or salt and tajin. We love a tajin and salt rim.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass over ice and top with soda water.
Boom! Done! Your paloma cocktail is ready to serve. Don't forget the garnish! Easy enough to make, isn't it? It's so light and refreshing. You'll be enjoying this drink all year long.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Shake the paloma ingredients a good 30 seconds to get a better infusion of flavor.
- As a variation, try a smoky mezcal paloma, which is how I enjoy mine.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this paloma drink, the perfect combination of tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda and juice. Leave a review below!
Cookbook Recommendation
If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.
- The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)
Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes
- For another refreshing cocktail, it's hard to beat the Classic Spicy Margarita or this fantastic Mexican Michelada.
- My Spicy Bloody Mary always hits the spot.
- Mangonada is a refreshing slushy cocktail I think you will love, too.
- See all of my Drink Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment or share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. Thanks! — Mike H.
Paloma Recipe (Paloma Cocktail)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila blanco is best
- 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- ¼ ounce simple syrup or use agave
- 2 dashes grapefruit bitters optional
- Soda water to top 1-2 ounces - or use Fresca, Squirt, or Topochico
- Ice
- Coarse sea salt to rim the glass - or salt + tajin for a spicy version
Instructions
- Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and grapefruit bitters (if using) to a shaker with several cubes of ice. Shake well. Give it a good 30 seconds of shaking to really infuse the tequila.
- Rub a lime wedge around the top of a collins or other cocktail glass. Pour the salt (or salt + tajin) onto a small plate, then dip the glass into it to coat the rim. The lime juice will help the salt stick.
- Strain the liquid into the glass over ice.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wheel or aromatic grapefruit peel.
Nutrition Information
Vanessa Sweeney says
Hello Mike!
Great looking drink. I am making this for Cinco de Mayo!
What is on the bottom of the ice in the drink?
Thanks
Mike Hultquist says
Vanessa, Patty made some fancy fruit ice cubes, basically with some fruit in the bottom. Enjoy!
Steve Gardner says
Delicious looking recipe, Mike. May I ask, where did you get that lovely glass jigger in one of the photos?
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Steve. I believe we bought that at a store in Charlotte, but I can't remember the place. Ack, wish I remembered!
Charles Pascual says
Great way to use my back yard grapefruit crop. The suggestion to mix Tajin in with the salt is a winner - I'd not come across that in other Paloma recipes. Thanks, Mike.
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Charles! I wish I had grapefruit in my backyard! Cheers!
Paul says
I’ll try this using Seville (bitter) Oranges. I can’t eat Grapefruit as it affects my medication apparently which is really unfortunate as I used to enjoy a Grapefruit every now and again.
Mike Hultquist says
I think this will be great with the oranges, Paul. Enjoy! All the best to you.
Paul says
Wonderful Mike,
I noticed today that they were making a show of them in our local supermarket today. I must get some before it’s too late. Similarly the Quinces that I saw in my local Indian grocers.
Paul
Vicki says
This was delicious! I only had gold tequila on hand but will try next time with blanco.
Mike Hultquist says
Glad you enjoyed it, Vicki! Cheers!
Greg Strauss says
As usual, great recipe and tips! We have a similar but simple version where we use pink grapefruit juice, tequila and a salted rim. We call it a chihuahua instead of a salty dog! Thanks for the great content Mike!
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Greg!
Ramya says
Cant wait to make this soon for me can i make this to mocktail as i don't use alcohol at home i never had paloma before perfect for hot days in Singapore love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Anthony says
Add a couple slices of serrano peppers for a little kick!!
Mike Hultquist says
I like it!