Paul Kushner
The Dragonfruit Paloma is a bright and refreshing twist on the classic Mexican cocktail. It blends the mild sweetness and vibrant color of dragonfruit with the citrusy bite of grapefruit juice and the smooth edge of tequila. A splash of lime juice keeps it zesty, and a bit of soda water adds a crisp, bubbly finish. The result is a drink that’s fruity, lightly tart, and perfect for warm days or evening hangouts. It’s easy to make, looks great in the glass, and offers a fun, tropical spin on a well-loved favorite.
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Tasting Notes
The Dragonfruit Paloma is a bold, fruit-forward variation of the classic Paloma, fusing bright citrus, earthy tequila, and the subtly sweet flavor of dragonfruit. Lime and grapefruit juices add sharpness and zest, balanced by simple syrup for a smooth, rounded finish. Dragonfruit purée lends a tropical, mildly sweet note and a gorgeous magenta hue that elevates the drink’s visual appeal. Topped with a splash of club soda and served with a salted rim, this cocktail is crisp, tangy, and incredibly refreshing—perfect for hot days or whenever you’re craving something vibrant, slightly exotic, and full of flavor.
Equipment and Glassware
To make the Dragonfruit Paloma, you’ll need a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the juices, syrup, and tequila. A jigger helps measure ingredients accurately, and a bar spoon can help blend in the club soda gently after shaking. A fine mesh strainer may be helpful if your dragonfruit purée has seeds or pulp. Rim the glass using a small plate for the salt and a lime wedge to wet the rim. Serve in a rocks or highball glass to showcase the cocktail’s vivid color and leave room for ice and bubbles.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz tequila
- 1 oz dragonfruit purée
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2 oz grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Splash of club soda
- Salt (for rimming)
- Optional garnish: lime wheel or dragonfruit slice
Instructions
- Rim the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into salt. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
- Shake: In a shaker filled with ice, combine dragonfruit purée, tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, and grapefruit juice. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Top: Add a splash of club soda for fizz.
- Garnish: Finish with a lime wheel or a slice of dragonfruit for a vibrant touch.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe red-fleshed dragonfruit for maximum color and sweetness, and blend it with a splash of water if needed for a smoother purée.
- Freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juices elevate the flavor far beyond bottled versions.
- Choose a high-quality blanco tequila for clean agave notes that don’t overpower the fruit.
- Shake the ingredients without the soda to preserve fizz.
- Salt the rim lightly—it enhances the citrus and balances the sweetness.
- For a smoky variation, try mezcal in place of tequila.
- Garnish with a dragonfruit slice frozen into an ice cube for a striking presentation.
When to Serve
The Dragonfruit Paloma is a stunning cocktail for summer parties, brunches, tropical-themed events, or rooftop happy hours. Its vibrant pink hue and tangy, fizzy flavor make it ideal for warm-weather sipping, especially when you want to impress with something visually unique and refreshingly crisp. Serve it as a signature drink at weddings, bridal showers, or sunset gatherings. It’s also a great option for Cinco de Mayo or Taco Tuesday celebrations. With its balance of tart citrus, mellow sweetness, and tropical flair, this drink delivers a festive experience in every glass.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- For tequila, go with smooth blanco options like Espolòn, Casamigos, or Olmeca Altos for a clean, agave-rich base. If you’re feeling adventurous, mezcal such as Del Maguey Vida adds a smoky twist.
- Use fresh dragonfruit purée, or make your own by blending dragonfruit with a splash of lime juice.
- Choose Fever-Tree, Topo Chico, or Q Club Soda for reliable fizz.
- For grapefruit juice, opt for fresh-squeezed or high-quality bottled versions like Lakewood or Whole Foods 365.
- These ingredients ensure your Dragonfruit Paloma is flavorful, vibrant, and bar-quality with every pour.
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
- Plate for rimming
Ingredients
- 1½ oz tequila
- 1 oz dragonfruit purée
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2 oz grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Splash of club soda
- Salt for rimming
- grapefruit wedge or dragonfruit slice for garnish
Instructions
- Rim the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it into salt. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
- Shake: In a shaker filled with ice, combine dragonfruit purée, tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, and grapefruit juice. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Top: Add a splash of club soda for fizz.
- Garnish: Finish with a lime wheel or a slice of dragonfruit for a vibrant touch.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use pink dragonfruit for a bold, bright magenta color.
- Adjust simple syrup based on the tartness of your grapefruit juice.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of Tajín to the salt rim.
