Paloma Cocktail
The Paloma is a classic Mexican cocktail with tequila, grapefruit, and lime – refreshing, citrus-forward, and ideal for warm-weather sipping.

Refreshing, citrusy, and effortlessly simple, the Paloma is a beloved Mexican cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit.
Lighter than a margarita but just as flavourful, it strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and slightly bitter. Served over ice with a splash of soda, it’s ideal for warm evenings or anytime you want something crisp and easy to sip.

Tips for the Best Classic Paloma
- Use fresh juice: Freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juice give the cocktail its bright, natural flavour. Bottled juice won’t have the same punch.
- Chill your glass: A cold glass keeps the drink crisp longer. Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
- Adjust sweetness: Grapefruit vary in sweetness – taste your juice first, then tweak the amount of simple syrup as needed.
- Try flavoured soda water: For a fun variation, swap plain club soda with grapefruit or lime-flavoured sparkling water.
- Enjoy your cocktail and don’t forget to drink responsibly. Cheers!

Ingredients & Substitutions
- Tequila: Blanco tequila works best for a clean, crisp base, but reposado adds a warm, oaky note if preferred.
- Grapefruit Juice: Use fresh-squeezed for best results.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice balances the sweetness and adds acidity. Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is better.
- Simple Syrup: Use maple syrup or agave nectar as natural sweetener alternatives. Adjust to taste depending on how sweet your oranges are.
- Club Soda: Lightens the drink. You can use sparkling mineral water or citrus soda for a twist.
- Salt: Use coarse salt or a mix of salt and chilli powder for a spicy edge.

Looking for More Refreshing Cocktails?
Check out more of my favourite cockail recipes!
Shake up a vibrant Blood Orange Paloma with tequila, fresh citrus, and a salted rim – perfectly refreshing and easy to make for any occasion.
Refresh your summer with Boozy Sparkling Peach Tea! Peach-flavoured black tea, lemon-lime soda, and a splash of rum create a perfect blend!
Our Frozen Strawberry Margarita is a blend of sweet strawberries, bold tequila, and zesty lime, it’s a refreshing cocktail for any sunny day.

Paloma Cocktail
Yields: 1 Serving | Prep time: 5 Minutes | Cook time: 5 Minutes
Ingredients:
For the Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
For the Paloma:
- Coarse salt
- 2 oz Fresh lime juice
- 2 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
- 1.5 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz Blanco Tequila
- Club soda or Sparkling water
Directions:
For the Simple Syrup:
- Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, over high heat.
- Once boiling, turn the temperature down to low and allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Allow to completely cool off.

For the Paloma:
Prepare the Glass:
- Pour salt into a shallow bowl or saucer.
- Run a grapefruit wedge around the rim of your glass.
- Dip the rim into the salt to coat. (Image 1)
- Fill the glass halfway with ice and set aside.

Shake the Cocktail:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. (Images 3 & 4)
- Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.

Serve:
- Strain into the prepared glass over ice. (Image 5)
- Top with club soda. (Image 6)
- Garnish with grapefruit and lime wedges.

Paloma Cocktail
The Paloma is a classic Mexican cocktail with tequila, grapefruit, and lime – refreshing, citrus-forward, and ideal for warm-weather sipping.
Ingredients
For the Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
For the Paloma:
- Coarse salt
- 2 oz Fresh lime juice
- 2 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
- 1.5 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz Blanco Tequila
- Club soda or Sparkling water
Instructions
For the Simple Syrup:
- Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, over high heat.
- Once boiling, turn the temperature down to low and allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Allow to completely cool off.
For the Paloma:
Prepare the Glass:
- Pour salt into a shallow bowl or saucer.
- Run a grapefruit wedge around the rim of your glass.
- Dip the rim into the salt to coat.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice and set aside.
Shake the Cocktail:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
Serve:
- Strain into the prepared glass over ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with grapefruit and lime wedges.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 243Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 589mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 0gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g
This information is provided as a courtesy and for entertainment purposes only. This information comes from online calculators. Although frugalmomeh.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
