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Paloma

refreshing paloma cocktail with ingredients

Crisp, citrusy, and effortlessly refreshing, the Paloma is a classic Mexican cocktail that’s as simple as it is delicious. Made with smooth tequila, fresh lime juice, and a hint of salt, this cocktail is topped with bubbly grapefruit soda for the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Served over ice and garnished with a fresh lime wheel, the Paloma is light, invigorating, and ideal for warm days or casual sipping. Whether you’re relaxing at home or hosting friends, this tequila-forward favorite is always a crowd-pleaser!

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Tasting Notes

The Paloma is a light, citrusy, and refreshing tequila cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and slightly salty flavors. The crisp grapefruit soda adds a refreshing fizz, while fresh lime juice enhances the tangy brightness. A pinch of salt rounds out the flavors, making each sip smooth and satisfying.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a highball glass for serving, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a bar spoon for stirring. A citrus juicer ensures fresh lime juice, and ice is essential for keeping the drink chilled and crisp.

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Instructions

  • Add ice to a highball glass
  • Add the tequila, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
  • Top off the mixture with grapefruit soda and stir.
  • Use a lime wheel or wedge for a garnish.
  • Serve, sip, and enjoy your fresh cocktail
Paloma 1

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lime juice for the best citrus kick—bottled juice won’t deliver the same brightness.
  • Upgrade your Paloma by using freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and club soda instead of grapefruit soda.
  • For a smoky twist, use mezcal instead of tequila.
  • Rim the glass with salt or Tajín for extra flavor.

When to Serve

The Paloma is perfect for hot summer days, brunch, beach outings, and casual happy hours. Its refreshing and effervescent nature makes it a go-to for day drinking, barbecues, and taco nights.

Paloma 3

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

For a smooth and flavorful Paloma, use high-quality tequila blanco like Espolòn, Patrón, Don Julio, or Casamigos. For grapefruit soda, Jarritos, Squirt, or Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit work well.

Similar Cocktails

If you enjoy Paloma, here are five similar cocktails to try:


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refreshing paloma cocktail with ingredients

Paloma

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Course: Tequila
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: paloma
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Tequila and grapefruit soda combine in the refreshing, bubbly Paloma cocktail.

Instructions

  • Add ice to a highball glass
  • Add the tequila, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
  • Top off the mixture with grapefruit soda and stir.
  • Use a lime wheel or wedge for a garnish.
  • Serve, sip, and enjoy your fresh cocktail

Video

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!
Paloma
Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Google Guide and MuckRack.

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