Paloma Cocktail Recipe
An easy to make Paloma cocktail recipe that has just a hint of sweetness and is refreshing.
I discovered the Paloma on a recent trip to Mexico. While I am more of fruity mixed drink kind of girl, this drink ended up being my new favorite beverage. Slightly tart, a bit fruity and just a touch of sweetness and I’m dreaming of being poolside on a hot summer day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is that it’s so easy to make. While it would be absolutely smashing with fresh grapefruit juice, using store bough grapefruit juice still makes a great drink.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is that you can make it more tart or more sweet depending on your preference. I generally love a sweet drink so I add a bit more sweetness but it’s truly a versatile recipe.
The Difference Between A Paloma and A Margarita
A Paloma is similar to a Margarita in that they both have, tequila, lime and salt. The Paloma tends to have a more citrusy flavor, while the Margarita is more sweet and sour. Margarita’s tend have an orange liquor (cointreau or triple sec) in them or a Margarita mix and is more sweet. However, the Paloma’s main focus is the grapefruit so it uses grapefruit juice or soda to get the more tart or savory flavor.
What Type of Tequila To Use
The best type of tequila to use is either tequila blanco or tequila reposado. Tequila blanco is an unaged tequila whereas tequila reposado has been barrel aged up for up to one year.
Tequila blanco has the flavors of agave, citrus, grass and pepper. Tequila reposado tends to have flavors of vanilla and oak.
Which Glass To Serve It In
Generally a Paloma is served in a highball glass. However, it can also be served in a rocks glass, old fashioned glass, or short drinks glass.
Ingredients
Grapefruit juice – If you have the time, squeezing fresh grapefruit will make a fresher tasting drink. However using store bought grapefruit juice works just as well. Make sure the grapefruit juice has no added ingredients or sugar. I like to use the brand Simply Grapefruit.
Lime – Fresh limes are best for this.
Tequila – Use Tequila Blanco or Reposado
Agave – Agave is a sweetener, it comes in liquid form like syrup. You can find it in the baking aisle.
Grapefruit Soda – Generally the recipe calls for Jarritos or Squirt. I love using Fever-Tree Grapefruit Soda for this. It is slightly sweet and a nice compliment.
Salt– Flaky salt for the rim (you can use margarita salt) or just a pinch of regular salt for the drink.
Instructions
- Take a piece of lime wedge and run it along whole or part of the rim of the glass you’re using, then dip the wet portion of the glass into some flaky salt.
- Â To the glass add the tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and agave.
- Add ice and stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Top with grapefruit soda.
- Garnish with fresh or dried orange or grapefruit slices (Optional)
To Make A Mocktail
To make a mocktail version of the Paloma simply omit the tequila.
Recipe Variations
For a more smokey flavor substitute Mezcal for the Tequila.
If you do not want to salt the rim of the glass add a pinch of salt to the mix before adding ice.
You can salt only one side of the glass rim if desired.
You can substitute pure maple syrup for the agave.
Paloma Cocktail Recipe
Materials
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 oz Grapefruit Juice Freshly squeezed if you have the time
- 1 1/2 oz Tequila Blanco or Tequila Reposado
- 1/2 oz Agave Syrup
- Grapefruit Soda
- Flaky Sea Salt To garnish the rim of the glass
- Pinch of salt (see note) Only if you are not garnishing the glass
Instructions
Salting the Glass Rim (Optional)
- Take a lime wedge and run it along the top rim of the glass. You can do the entire rim of the glass or only a portion of the glass.
- Add flaky salt to a plate and dip the wet portion of the glass rim into the salt.
To the Glass
- Add the lime juice, grapefruit juice, agave syrup, tequila, (and pinch of sea salt only if you do not salt the rim of the glass)
- Add ice to the glass
- Stir to combine
- Top with grapefruit soda and garnish if desired.
Notes
- You can use a cocktail shaker if desired. Simply put the lime juice, grapefruit juice, agave syrup and tequila into an ice filled cocktail shaker. Shake to combine then pour over a glass filled with ice.
- To vary the flavor you can substitute Mezcal for the Tequila
- Fever-Tree grapefruit soda was used in this recipe, however traditionally Squirt or Jarritos is used.
- Maple syrup can be used in place of the agave.