Citrus lovers, prepare to fall in love with this Paloma cocktail recipe. From the fizz and citrus to the tequila, this drink is an ideal thirst-quencher.
It’s an iconic Mexican cocktail that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and boozy. And it’s just what you need for cooling off during the summer heat.
I love a cool, classic margarita. But even I can’t resist the tart, pretty-in-pink grapefruit kiss of the Paloma.
Paloma Cocktail
Wondering what the national cocktail of Mexico is? That, my friends, would be the radiating Paloma.
Spanish for “dove,” the Paloma is so beloved that it’s become a favorite worldwide. Try it for yourself, and you’ll instantly see why.
Slightly sweet, a little bubbly, and very citrusy, it’s super tasty. It’s so good that it can rival even the best margarita recipes.
And coming from me, that’s a big statement!
Who we have to thank is a bit of a mystery.
Some say it’s named after the folk song “La Paloma”. Others say bartender Don Javier Delgado Corona in Tequila, Mexico is the creator.
Either way, it’s worth a try. And you’ll need a few key ingredients.
Recipe Ingredients
A classic Paloma cocktail calls for grapefruit soda. Jarritos Toronja, to be precise.
But I know that’s not available everywhere, so I made this with juice and club soda.
You’ll find the complete list of amounts at the bottom of the post. Until then, here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- Lime and salt. To rim the glass just like you would a margarita.
- Blanco Tequila. Blanco tequila is traditional, and it’s fruitier and brighter than Reposado.
- Grapefruit Juice. For a refreshing twist! Be sure to get something natural and top-quality.
- Lime Juice. It adds a lovely tart flavor.
- Simple Syrup. To balance out the tartness of the citrus. You can adjust this as you like.
- Club Soda. For the fizz! Like the simple syrup, it also balances out the flavor and makes the drink refreshing.
- Fruit Slices. Add a grapefruit wedge and lime slice for a garnish.
How to Make a Paloma
If you’re a fan of the Salty Dog cocktail, I have a feeling you’ll go nuts for this.
They’re both sweetly tart and refreshingly boozy. And they’re both ready in minutes. You don’t even need a cocktail shaker!
Here’s how to make it:
1. Rim the glass with a lime wedge, then dip it in salt.
2. Pour and stir. Pack the glass with ice. Then pour the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup over the top. Stir and top it off with club soda.
3. Garnish with grapefruit and lime slices, serve, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cocktail
I’ve had my fair share of Palomas. And they’re not all created equal.
So here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Choose the right tequila. The Paloma allows the flavor of the tequila to shine through, so it’s worth using a good one. Don Julio Blanco or Casamigos Blanco are great and readily available.
- Fresh is best. Use freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juices. The difference in flavor is noticeable and makes for a superior cocktail.
- Adjust to taste. The perfect Paloma is often a matter of personal preference. Tweak the ratios of the ingredients to find your ideal balance.
- Fizz factor. If you’re after a more pronounced grapefruit flavor, look for grapefruit soda. For a subtler taste and more effervescence, club soda is the way to go.
- No simple syrup? No problem. Agave syrup or a sugar cube muddled with a bit of water can be a good substitute.
- Try citrus soda. If you don’t want to use simple syrup and club soda, swap in lemon-lime soda. It brings the fizz and a hint of sweetness.
- Spice it up. For a spicy twist, muddle 1-2 jalapeño pepper slices in the bottom of the glass before adding the ingredients. It’ll give your Paloma a kick!
More Tequila Cocktails You’ll Love
Tequila Mockingbird
Tequila Sunrise
Classic Margarita
Ranch Water
Paloma
1
serving5
minutes178
kcalCitrus lovers, prepare to fall in love with this Paloma cocktail recipe. From the fizz and citrus to the tequila, this drink is an ideal thirst-quencher.
Ingredients
Lime and salt, for rimming the glass
Ice
2 ounces tequila
2 ounces grapefruit juice
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces club soda or grapefruit soda
Grapefruit and lime slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Run the lime wedge around the rim of a glass, then dip it into a plate of salt to coat.
- Fill the glass with ice crushed. Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup and stir.
- Top with club soda, garnish with grapefruit and lime slices, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap the grapefruit juice and club soda for grapefruit soda.
- Chill the glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to keep the drink colder for longer.
- Use a rocks glass for a stronger drink or a highball glass (with more club soda) for a milder drink.
