Homemade Paloma Cocktail Recipe

A Paloma is the most popular drink in Mexico for a reason. It is much easier to make than a Margarita and far more refreshing on a hot day.

Grab your favorite tequila and some grapefruit soda to get started.

Ingredients

This recipe makes 1 serving.

• 2 ounces blanco tequila
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 4 ounces grapefruit soda (Jarritos is the classic choice)
• A pinch of sea salt
• Ice cubes
• Grapefruit wedge for garnish
• Chili-salt rim (optional

Prepare the glass

Starting with the rim sets the tone for the entire drink. Take a lime wedge and run it around the edge of a highball glass. Dip the wet rim into a small plate of salt or a mix of salt and chili powder.

This adds a savory kick that cuts through the sweetness of the soda. Fill the glass to the top with fresh ice. Large cubes are better because they melt slowly and won’t water down your cocktail too fast.

Mix the base

Pour the tequila directly over the ice. Using a blanco tequila is usually best here because it has a clean, agave-forward taste that blends well with fruit.

Add the fresh lime juice next. Never use the bottled lime juice from the store; the flavor is too flat and metallic. Squeezing a fresh lime makes the drink taste bright and alive.

Add a tiny pinch of sea salt into the liquid. It might sound strange to put salt inside the drink, but it acts like a flavor enhancer for the grapefruit.

Add the bubbles

Top the glass with your grapefruit soda. You do not need a cocktail shaker for this recipe. If you shake a carbonated drink, it will explode and lose all its fizz. Instead, pour the soda slowly down the side of the glass.

Use a long spoon to give it one very gentle stir from the bottom to the top. If you stir too much, you will lose the bubbles. The goal is to incorporate the tequila and lime without making the soda go flat.

Final garnish

Cut a thick wedge of fresh grapefruit. Squeeze a tiny bit of the juice over the top and then drop the wedge into the glass. You can also use a sprig of fresh rosemary if you want an earthy aroma while you sip.

The smell of the fresh fruit peel is the first thing you notice before you take a drink. Serve it immediately while the glass is still frosting over.

Tips to Make it Perfect

The quality of your soda is the most important part of this drink. If you use a soda that is too sugary, the cocktail will taste like candy.

If you can’t find a good Mexican grapefruit soda, you can use sparkling water mixed with a splash of fresh grapefruit juice and a little agave syrup. This allows you to control exactly how sweet the drink becomes.

Always chill your tequila in the fridge or freezer before making the drink. Starting with cold ingredients ensures the ice doesn’t melt the moment the liquid touches it. If you want a stronger citrus hit, rub the grapefruit peel around the top of the glass before you garnish it.

This releases the essential oils and gives a professional touch to a simple home setup.

Which tequila is best for a Paloma?

Most bartenders prefer Blanco tequila for a Paloma. Blanco is unaged, which means it has a sharp, peppery, and grassy flavor that stands up well against the tartness of grapefruit. It keeps the drink feeling light and crisp.

If you want something smoother with a hint of vanilla, you could use a Reposado. Reposado is aged in oak barrels for a few months. It adds a bit of warmth to the cocktail, which is nice if you are drinking this in the evening.

Avoid using Anejo tequila, as the heavy wood flavors usually overwhelm the fruit and make the drink taste muddy.

Can I use grapefruit juice instead of soda?

Yes, you can make a “fresh” version of this cocktail. To do this, replace the grapefruit soda with two ounces of fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and two ounces of plain club soda.

Since fresh grapefruit juice is much more tart than soda, you will likely need to add a teaspoon of agave nectar or simple syrup to balance the flavors.

This version is often called a “Paloma Roja” if you use ruby red grapefruits. It results in a much more natural fruit flavor and a beautiful bright pink color, though it lacks the specific bite that comes from a bottled Mexican soda.