The margarita is being replaced by another favorite drink.
This Paloma Cocktail Recipe brings the bar to you. All you need for this is tequila, grapefruit, lime, and sparkling water for this amazing drink. The finished drink is fizzy and sweet and loved by people everywhere.
“Paloma” is named after the Spanish word for dove, and the drink’s grace is just like a dove.
You’ll discover all about this drink in this guide, including what’s in a Paloma to how to make a Paloma cocktail. We’ll also share a few fun variations, pro tips, and a complete nutritional breakdown, so you can sip smart and feel great.
Whether you are starting to enjoy tequila or it is a favorite of yours, you’ll want this Paloma recipe in your drinks roster.
Why You’ll Love This Paloma Recipe
This summer, you can enjoy this Paloma cocktail, which can easily replace margaritas, being a true Mexican treasure. Enjoy this drink by the beach or at a dinner party; these light, floral, and sparkling cocktails can please everyone.
In this guide, I will take you on a sunny afternoon to enjoy a cool drink and show you how to make a Paloma. This guide shows you what is a paloma, suggests alterations, and more.
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What Is a Paloma?
Let us begin with the background of the drink.
Paloma cocktails are Mexican in origin and contain tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. Cocktails of this kind are often served on ice, include a hint of salt, and are commonly finished with a wedge of fresh lemon or lime.
Because sparkling ingredients and citrus are used, palomas feel lighter and more refreshing than most drinks with alcohol. Horchata is very popular in Mexico and is now gaining popularity around the world because it is easy to make and delicious.
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Ingredients in a Paloma
Here’s what’s in a Paloma when made from scratch (not just soda):
| Ingredient | Role in the Cocktail |
| Tequila blanco | The heart of the drink, clean and agave-forward |
| Fresh grapefruit juice | Adds natural tartness and citrus aroma |
| Fresh lime juice | Enhances brightness and acidity |
| Simple syrup or agave nectar | Balances bitterness with sweetness |
| Sparkling water or soda | Adds fizz and dilutes for a refreshing finish |
| Kosher salt | Optional for rimming the glass |
| Ice | Essential for serving on the rocks |
How to Make a Paloma Cocktail
Whether you’re a mixology pro or a beginner, making a Paloma is delightfully easy.
Classic Paloma Cocktail Recipe
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila (100% agave, like Espolon or Casamigos)
- 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
- 2 oz Topo Chico or any sparkling water
- Salt (for rimming the glass, optional)
- Ice
- Grapefruit wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Salt the Rim (Optional): Run a lime wedge along the rim of a highball glass and dip into kosher salt.
- Shake It Up: In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake for 15 seconds.
- Strain & Serve: Strain into your glass filled with fresh ice. Top with sparkling water.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Add a grapefruit wedge or lime slice for flair.
Expert Tips
- Sweetness Level: Taste your grapefruit juice—some are sweeter than others. Adjust the sweetener accordingly.
- Make It Spicy: Infuse tequila with jalapeño slices or add Tajín to the rim for a bold twist.
- Use Mezcal: For a smoky variation, sub tequila with mezcal—but you might want a touch more sweetener.
- Batch It: Multiply ingredients and mix everything but soda in a pitcher. Add bubbles just before serving.
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Paloma Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 160-180 kcal |
| Total Carbohydrates | 11-13g |
| Sugars | 9g (varies by juice & syrup) |
| Sodium | 50-80mg (with salted rim) |
| Alcohol | ~14g (from tequila) |
| Vitamin C | ~25% DV |
Nutrition may vary slightly depending on brands and exact ingredient amounts.
Paloma Variations to Try
Want to shake things up? Here’s how to make Paloma cocktail recipes that suit every mood and flavor profile:
- To spice things up, add some jalapeño pieces to the shaker, add chilies to your tequila earlier, and put a mix of chilies and lime called Tajín around your glass’s rim.
- Make a Frozen Paloma by putting all the Paloma ingredients in the blender with much crushed ice and mixing them until silky smooth.
- Using St-Germain elderflower liqueur instead of simple syrup in a Floral Paloma will sweeten the grapefruit and make the drink special.
- Instead of tequila, use a smoky mezcal to give the drink a deep smoky taste and make the citrus more rounded.
- A little Aperol (around ½ ounce) gives the drink a more bitter taste that makes it feel more like orange, plus it makes the drink look nice and colorful.
What to Serve With a Paloma
The Paloma’s citrusy, lightly bitter profile makes it an ideal match for bold, savory, and spicy foods. Try serving it with:
- Guacamole & Chips – gives you a slight saltiness to go with Paloma’s acidic crispness.
- Baja Fish Tacos – either fried or grilled and served with slaw and lime are perfect with this drink, because of its grapefruit and lime taste.
- Grilled Shrimp – makes them juicy, and the smoky rub or citrus flavors round out the light vegetal taste from the tequila.
- Queso Fundido – made with melted cheese and chorizo or roasted peppers. Its richness can be relieved by a refreshing Paloma.
- Ceviche – with seafood seasoned in citrus and jalapeño or cilantro makes the cocktail more refreshing and adds the perfect balanced touch.
Final Sip of Paloma Cocktail Recipe
If you were looking for how to make a Paloma drink at home, now you’re equipped to do it properly. You can make it as it is or improvise it according to your taste. With this Paloma cocktail recipe, there is no going wrong. No matter what, it delivers great taste, convenience, and can be adjusted in many ways.
