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Home / Drinks / Cocktails

Paloma cocktail

Published September 27, 2021 | Updated March 9, 2023 | By Mandy & Jane

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This cocktail has all the relaxed summer vibes you could ask for, thirst-quenching, sophisticated, and very simple. We fell in love with the refreshing Paloma cocktail while visiting friends in Arizona and we’ve not stopped perfecting our Paloma recipe since then. If you try just one new summer tequila cocktail, then make it this one!

Paloma cocktail drink with salt rim and grapefruit wedge.

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Why you’ll love this Paloma recipe

  • It’s super easy to make; you’ll be drinking it in just 5 minutes!
  • It’s a sensational sweet, sour, and salty summer drink that’s thirst-quenching on a long hot day.
  • This refreshing sparkling grapefruit drink is ideal to showcase tequila and could quite possibly become your new favorite drink.

Why is the drink called a Paloma?

It’s not really known why the cocktail is called a Paloma.

The cocktail originates from Mexico, and Paloma is Spanish for ‘dove.’

Who invented the Paloma? Again, no one really knows; some say the owner of the bar La Capilla in Tequila, Don Javier Delgado Corona, and others say it’s from a folk song called La Paloma.

Whoever and wherever it comes from, we’re pleased to have found this refreshing tequila cocktail.

Want a change from the classic margarita? Try another Mexican favorite, a Paloma cocktail is popular in Mexico because it counter balances the spiciness of hot Mexican food.

Close up of a Paloma cocktail with a salt rim and a grapefruit wedge.

Do I need to use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice?

There’s nothing quite like fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice in our Paloma cocktail recipe, and as this cocktail is heavily focused on grapefruit juice, use fresh juice if possible.

It only takes a couple of minutes to make freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, but if you don’t want to make it, then please buy the best and freshest grapefruit juice that you can, as grapefruit juices do vary in quality.

Should I use grapefruit soda?

If you can find grapefruit soda, then definitely use it.

We searched high and low for grapefruit soda where we live in England but couldn’t find any, so we used regular club soda instead.

Grapefruit soda would be the preferred choice.

Ingredients to make a Paloma cocktail, club soda, agave nectar, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and lime juice.

What kind of tequila is best for Palomas

The best tequila to use in this Paloma cocktail recipe is a tequila Blanco or silver tequila.

The reason why a tequila Blanco is better is they are not aged tequilas, and they have a much more subtle flavor and with all the flavor happening in your Paloma cocktail, you don’t want a tequila to take over.

What glass should I use?

We’ve chosen a tumbler glass or a lowball glass, but these tequila drinks would be perfect in a highball glass too.

It’s easy to make sanding sugar.

Paloma tips and recipe notes

  • For an extra zingy taste of grapefruit, try grapefruit soda instead of club soda.
  • Always use fresh lime juice; store-bought doesn’t have the same fresh citrus taste as freshly squeezed.
  • Got leftover limes?
    Don’t leave them destined for the bin; slice them and then freeze them; you can then use them in your cocktails.
Refreshing Paloma cocktail with a grapefruit wedge in a glass with ice.

How to make a Paloma drink with step-by-step instructions

A full printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

First, you’ll need to make your salt rim.

On a small plate or flat surface, scatter a couple of tablespoons of kosher salt.

Process shot for making salted rim, wipe with lime wedge, swirl in salt and then admire.

Then, cut a lime wedge and wipe it around the rim of the glass, turn the glass upside down, and then gently swirl the rim in the kosher salt, then set aside.

In a cocktail shaker, add a handful of ice cubes, then add tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar.

Process shots for making a Paloma cocktail, add tequila and lime juice and fresh grapefruit juice.

Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for approximately 20 seconds.

Now, add ice cubes to your cocktail glass and, using a Hawthorne strainer, pour your cocktail into your glass.

Process shots for making a Paloma cocktail, add agave nectar, shake, pour, top up and garnish with grapefruit slices.

Top up your glass with club soda and garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge.

Serve and enjoy your Paloma cocktails – cheers!

More tequila cocktail recipes for you to try

  • Classic margarita – cousin of the Paloma, this classic 3 ingredient tequila cocktail is still a winner!
  • Tequila sunrise – another refreshing 3 ingredient cocktail, this stunning cocktail is so easy to make!
  • Tequila old fashioned – a twist on the old whiskey classic, this is stylish and subtle and definitely one for your cocktail menu!
  • Mexican mule – tequila and lime juice are great, but then add in ginger beer and you have a wonderfully refreshing drink!
Paloma cocktails, with salt rims and grapefruit slices.

Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, for more tasty inspiration!

We hope that you enjoyed making our Paloma recipe and that you love your refreshing cocktail.

We’d really love to hear how you got on with it, so please leave a comment or feel free to ask any questions you have about our Paloma recipe.

Paloma cocktail with fresh slice of grapefruit.
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Paloma recipe

Our perfect Paloma cocktail is easy to make in just 5 minutes! Combining tequila, grapefruit juice, soda water, lime juice, and agave nectar, this is a sensational sweet, sour and salty summer drink that you'll love! Perfect for happy hour or for a girl's night. Check out the recipe and follow us for more easy cocktail recipes.
Prep Time5 mins
Total Time5 mins
Servings1
Calories188
Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: Mexican
Author: Jane Chapman
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Utensils

Cocktail shaker set
Cocktail shaker
Cocktail jigger
Jigger
Hawthorne strainer
Hawthorne strainer

Ingredients

For the salt rim

  • 2 tbsp Kosher salt
  • 1 Lime wedge

For the Paloma drink

  • Ice cubes
  • 2 oz Tequila Blanco
  • 2 oz Grapefruit juice
  • ½ oz Lime juice
  • ¼ oz Agave syrup
  • Club soda to top up
  • Grapefruit wedge to garnish – optional
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • First, you'll need to make your salt rim. On a small plate or flat surface scatter a couple of tablespoons of kosher salt. Then, cut a lime wedge and wipe it around the rim of the glass, turn the glass upside down, and then gently swirl the rim in the kosher salt, then set aside
    2 tbsp Kosher salt, 1 Lime wedge
  • In a cocktail shaker, add a handful of ice cubes, then add tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for approximately 20 seconds
    Ice cubes, 2 oz Tequila Blanco, 2 oz Grapefruit juice, ½ oz Lime juice, ¼ oz Agave syrup
  • Now, add ice cubes to your cocktail glass and, using a Hawthorne strainer, pour your cocktail into your glass. Top up your glass with club soda and garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge
    Club soda, Grapefruit wedge
  • Serve and enjoy your Paloma cocktails – cheers!

Notes

  • For an extra zingy taste of grapefruit, try grapefruit soda instead of club soda
  • Always use fresh lime juice, store-bought doesn’t have the same fresh citrus taste that freshly squeezed does
  • Got leftover limes?
    Don’t leave them destined for the bin, slice and then freeze them, you can then use them in your cocktails

Nutrition

Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 14157mg | Potassium: 131mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

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About Mandy

A vegetarian for over 35 years, Mandy has taught herself to be creative in the kitchen. Traveling extensively, Mandy loves learning and adapting vegetarian recipes from across the world. Read more...

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Comments

  1. Donna says

    September 27, 2021 at 10:12 am

    5 stars
    I think this might be my be favourite cocktail! Love the combination of grapefruit, tequila and lime ????

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      September 27, 2021 at 11:03 am

      It’s such a refreshing cocktail, isn’t it! Glad you love it and cheers!

  2. Jennifer says

    September 27, 2021 at 12:27 pm

    5 stars
    How pretty – love the tips! Will be making soon!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      September 27, 2021 at 1:56 pm

      Thank you and we hope you enjoy it!

  3. Lynn Polito says

    September 27, 2021 at 1:35 pm

    5 stars
    Oh this is so refreshing!! Fantastic!!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      September 27, 2021 at 1:56 pm

      It really is! The perfect summer cocktail!

  4. Sherry Ronning says

    September 27, 2021 at 2:38 pm

    5 stars
    This cocktail is such a fresh and great tasting drink. Thank you for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      September 27, 2021 at 4:09 pm

      You’re more than welcome! We could drink this all summer long – enjoy!

  5. Cindy says

    September 27, 2021 at 4:18 pm

    5 stars
    This was absolutely refreshing and will become a new favorite I’m sure!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      September 27, 2021 at 6:17 pm

      That’s great to hear! Great choice of cocktail!

  6. laura says

    September 27, 2021 at 4:25 pm

    5 stars
    These are amazing cocktails, perfect for parties!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      September 27, 2021 at 6:17 pm

      Thank you and enjoy your party!

  7. Karla says

    September 28, 2021 at 12:59 am

    5 stars
    This looks great. Adding to my holiday cocktails list!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      September 28, 2021 at 6:28 am

      Good to hear! It makes a great holiday cocktail – cheers!

  8. Sachiko says

    October 10, 2021 at 8:45 pm

    5 stars
    I love this! So fresh and tasty!

    Reply

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We’re Mandy and Jane!

We love sharing our vegetarian food and drink recipes with you. If you’re cutting down on meat, going vegetarian or vegan, there’s something delicious to eat and drink for you here
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