Paloma

Did you know that the beloved Paloma is actually Mexico’s most beloved cocktail not the Margarita? It’s a tequila-based cocktail and is most commonly prepared with a grapefruit flavored soda, squirt of lime juice and tequila then served on the rocks with a lime wedge! Adding salt to the rim of the glass is an optional finishing touch. It’s the perfect refreshing cocktail to relax with!

We love a great margarita! How about you? I have a couple of recipes on the blog, my classic margarita, strawberry lemonade margarita and even a strawberry virgin margarita to lighten it up. And there’s also peach rosé sangria recipe on the blog that is just fabulous – perfect for a party!

But I have another cocktail for you today that you’ll love just as much. Have you ever had a Paloma? If you’re a fan of a margarita, then you’ll love this recipe! It’s loaded with incredible citrus flavor and has refreshing bubbly touch. You’ll definitely want to give this a try!

I love to pair it with tons of my Mexican inspired favorites like this taco ring and a big ol’ taco salad. The natural flavor of the grapefruit just adds so much tang and fun into this drink and makes it perfect for any meal. I hope you enjoy!

Why You’ll Love this Paloma Recipe

• This easy paloma recipe is sparkly and fun, slightly tart and super refreshing! Such a delicious drink for the summer time.
• You only need 5 ingredients to make this paloma cocktail. Easy peasy and so yummy! You don’t even need to have a cocktail shaker!
• It only takes 5 minutes to make a paloma cocktail. This is one of most popular tequila cocktails in my house simply because it can be made so quickly.

Ingredients for Paloma Cocktail

• Tequila – Purchase a good quality tequila. You don’t have to spend overboard here, but a Blanco or silver tequila is the traditional choice for this cocktail.
• Lime juice – This is easily adjusted to your taste.
• Grapefruit soda – The best option here is the Mexican-made soda Jarritos. If you can’t find that, squirt is a great choice! You can pick that up almost anywhere. You can also substitute fresh grapefruit juice topped with lemon-lime soda to give it a bubbly fiz! You can always sub club soda and pink grapefruit juice also.
• Lime – The perfect garnish to your easy tequila cocktail! You can also add a grapefruit wedge for another tasty garnish.
• Salt – We recommend a coarse sea salt to rim your cocktail glass but you could use kosher salt too.

How to Make a Paloma

1. Fill a highball glass with plenty of fresh ice.
2. Then add your tequila and fresh lime juice to the glass.
3. Top with grapefruit soda and then garnish with a lime wedge.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Rim a Cocktail Glass

I love to add a salt rim to my cocktail glass when I’m making a paloma. It’s really easy to do!

Simply rub the rim of your glass with a lime wedge, and then dip or roll it in a small plate of salt. Then carefully fill with your cocktail and enjoy!

What’s the difference between a margarita and a paloma?

A margarita is definitely more sweet than a paloma and has that classic sweet and sour tang from lime. The paloma cocktail is more citrusy and has a bubbly element from the grapefruit soda. While both are tequila cocktails, their flavor profiles are quite different.

What do I do if my paloma is too strong?

Simply let the ice melt a bit to water it down. The perfect way to “save” that drink! If you don’t want to wait for the ice to melt, then add a splash of water or a bit of club soda to help water down the drink. Feel free to add a bit of simple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten the drink if it is too tart.

What to Serve with Paloma Cocktail

This cocktail goes with all of your festive fiesta favorites! From chips and guacamole to delicious salsas and queso, this refreshing drink pairs great with them all. I also love serving it with Mexican street corn dip!

Pair this tequila cocktail with shrimp tacos or even this easy taco casserole. It’s great with beef enchiladas too!

You can even serve it on game day with appetizers like jalapeño poppers and chicken taco pinwheels.

What tequila is best for a Paloma?

For clean and crisp flavor, use a blanco tequila. If you’d rather a more rich flavor, then use reposado tequila! Really, you can use whatever tequila you enjoy most.

Don’t you love the drinks that don’t even require you to get out the cocktail shaker? This tasty paloma is so easy and even more delicious!

More Great Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy!

• The BEST Summer Drinks!
• Pineapple Fruit Cocktail Drink Recipe
• 2-Ingredient Vodka Strawberry Lemonade Drink
• Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail
• Amaretto Sour