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Paloma Tequila Recipe

Paloma Tequila Recipe

By What’s Baking

A bright, refreshing Mexican classic that balances tart grapefruit, zingy lime, and the earthy warmth of tequila with a subtle touch of sweetness.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal highball glass filled with a blushing pink-coral cocktail, ice catching the golden afternoon light. Tiny bubbles rise through the liquid, creating a gentle effervescence. The rim is partially salted with delicate flakes of sea salt, while a plump wedge of ruby red grapefruit and lime perch on the edge. Condensation beads on the outside of the glass, suggesting refreshing coolness. The background shows blurred agave plants, suggesting the drink's Mexican heritage, while the natural wood bar surface adds rustic warmth to contrast with the vibrant cocktail.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml blanco tequila (100% agave)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh grapefruit juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10ml agave syrup (or simple syrup)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml grapefruit soda (like Jarritos or Ting)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of sea salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Grapefruit wedge and lime wheel for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Highball glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Citrus juicer</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>If desired, prepare your glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in sea salt - covering just half the rim allows guests to choose between salty or unsalty sips. Fill the glass with ice.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Pour the tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup into your highball glass. The fresh juices are essential - they provide vibrant flavors that bottled juices simply can't match.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add a pinch of salt directly to the mixture. This isn't just for flavor - salt actually suppresses bitterness and enhances the perception of sweetness and sourness, creating a more balanced flavor profile.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Gently stir the mixture with your bar spoon to combine all ingredients without decreasing the carbonation that will come next.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Top with grapefruit soda, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. If you can't find grapefruit soda, you can substitute with 90ml club soda and an additional 30ml grapefruit juice.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Give the cocktail one gentle, brief stir - just enough to incorporate the soda without losing too much carbonation. You'll know it's right when the drink has a uniform peachy-pink color.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Garnish with a wedge of grapefruit and a lime wheel, positioning them on the rim so they add aroma with each sip. Their essential oils will release subtle citrus notes that enhance the drinking experience.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 slice
🔥 Calories: 385 calories
🥑 Fat: 24 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 14 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 38 g
🍭 Sugar: 28 g
🍗 Protein: 5 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 75 mg
🧂 Sodium: 220 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best tequila to use in a Paloma cocktail?

A 100% agave blanco (silver) tequila is ideal for a Paloma as its clean, bright flavours complement the citrus perfectly. Reposado can add subtle complexity, but avoid añejo or extra añejo as their oak-aged characteristics can overpower the delicate grapefruit notes.

Can I make a Paloma without grapefruit soda?

Absolutely! Substitute grapefruit soda with a combination of additional fresh grapefruit juice (30ml) and 90ml club soda or sparkling water. This actually creates a more authentic flavour profile as many Mexican bartenders prefer this fresher preparation method.

Why is salt added to this tequila and grapefruit cocktail?

Salt enhances the cocktail's flavour profile by suppressing bitterness, highlighting sweetness, and bringing out the tart citrus notes. It creates balance while nodding to Mexico's classic salt-rimmed tequila tradition. The small pinch added directly to the drink works with the citrus acids for perfect harmony.

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