This Paloma recipe is a light and refreshing Mexican drink made with tequila, grapefruit, lime, and sparkling water or club soda. It’s easy to make and delicious year-round!
If you like margaritas, you’ll definitely enjoy this Mexican paloma recipe! This classic Mexican cocktail combines tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime, and a splash of sparkling water. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a drink that’s both refreshing and easy to make. Here’s why I love this recipe:
- Simple ingredients: The paloma drink is made with just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Versatile: You can enjoy this drink year-round, thanks to its refreshing citrus flavor that suits both summer and winter months.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer it sweeter or more tart, you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste.
What is a Paloma?
A paloma is a traditional Mexican cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit juice. Unlike a classic margarita, which uses orange liqueur, the paloma has a light, slightly bitter taste thanks to the grapefruit. This drink is often served over ice and garnished with a lime wedge for a fresh, zesty touch.
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Paloma Recipe Ingredients
- Tequila: The star of the paloma, tequila adds a rich, earthy flavor. Blanco tequila is best for its crisp taste, but you can also use reposado or añejo tequila if you prefer a more complex flavor profile.
- Grapefruit juice: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice adds a bright, tangy flavor. You can use bottled grapefruit juice or even grapefruit soda (like the Mexican Jarritos brand) for convenience.
- Lime juice: A splash of lime juice enhances the citrusy notes and adds a slight tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Sparkling water: To add a little fizz, use sparkling water or club soda. This gives the paloma its signature refreshing quality.
- Sweetener (optional): If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch of simple syrup or agave nectar.
- Salt: Rim your glass with salt for a classic Paloma experience. The salt enhances the citrus flavors and adds a savory touch.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh grapefruit and lime juice. Bottled juices can be used in a pinch, but fresh juice will make a noticeable difference.
- Adjust to taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tartness of your Paloma. Add some sweetener like agave nectar or simple syrup if you like, or more lime juice for extra tartness.
- Chill your ingredients: For a truly refreshing drink, make sure all your ingredients are well-chilled before mixing.
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a few slices of jalapeño to your drink for a spicy kick.
- Make it frozen and slushy: Blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen version of this classic cocktail, perfect for hot days!
- Give it an herbal twist: Muddle some fresh mint or basil leaves in your glass for a really delicious and refreshing twist.
More Mexican Cocktail Recipes
Paloma Recipe
This Paloma recipe is a light and refreshing Mexican drink featuring tequila, grapefruit, lime, and sparkling water.
Instructions
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Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the glass in kosher salt and fill with ice.
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Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
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Top off with sparkling water and garnish with a lime wedge.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh grapefruit and lime juice. Bottled juices can be used in a pinch, but fresh juice will make a noticeable difference.
- Adjust to taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tartness of your Paloma. Add some sweetener like agave nectar or simple syrup if you like, or more lime juice for extra tartness.
- Chill your ingredients: For a truly refreshing drink, make sure all your ingredients are well-chilled before mixing.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1drink, Calories: 135kcal (7%), Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 13mg (1%), Potassium: 19mg (1%), Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 7IU, Vitamin C: 4mg (5%), Calcium: 5mg (1%), Iron: 0.04mg
Photography by Erin Jensen of The Wooden Skillet.
This post was originally published in October 2017 and has been updated with new photos and more helpful tips.