Paloma Cocktail Recipe

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!

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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