Paloma

Paloma is bright, citrusy, and sharply refreshing, with the gentle bitterness of grapefruit balanced by lime, tequila, and a lively sparkle. The salted rim heightens every sip, making this a crisp, thirst-quenching cocktail for warm days or casual gatherings.

Nutrition · per serving

134kcal

0.4gProtein

10.5gCarbs

0.1gFat

0.3gFiber

2 servings

Ingredients

9 items

Salt rim and glasses

lime wedge1 lime wedge, cut from 1 lime

fine sea salt4 g

Cocktail

tequila blanco100 ml

fresh pink grapefruit juice180 ml

fresh lime juice30 ml

agave syrup10 ml

chilled soda water120 ml

ice cubes300 g

grapefruit slice2 slices

Tips

•For the best balance, use freshly squeezed pink or ruby grapefruit juice; bottled juice often tastes flatter or sweeter.
•If your grapefruit is very sweet, reduce the agave syrup or omit it entirely.
•A traditional variation uses grapefruit soda instead of fresh juice plus soda water; this version is fresher and less sweet.
•Chill the glasses for 5 minutes beforehand if you want an extra-cold cocktail.

Steps

1
Prepare the glasses: run the cut side of the lime wedge around the rims of 2 highball glasses, then dip the rims lightly into the fine sea salt. A thin salt rim is best so it seasons the drink without overpowering it.
1 lime wedge, cut from 1 lime lime wedge4 g fine sea salt
2
Fill each glass with half of the ice cubes. Using plenty of ice keeps the drink cold and slows dilution.
300 g ice cubes
3
In a shaker or large measuring jug, combine the tequila blanco, fresh pink grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. Stir or shake briefly just until well mixed; do not over-shake if using lots of ice, or the drink will dilute too quickly.
100 ml tequila blanco180 ml fresh pink grapefruit juice30 ml fresh lime juice10 ml agave syrup
4
Divide the mixture evenly between the 2 prepared glasses, then top each with chilled soda water. Stir gently once to combine while keeping the bubbles lively.
120 ml chilled soda water
5
Garnish each glass with a grapefruit slice and serve immediately while cold and sparkling.
2 slices grapefruit slice

Origin & History

The Paloma is one of Mexico's most beloved tequila cocktails, often considered even more popular there than the Margarita. It is traditionally made with tequila and grapefruit, usually in a tall glass with a salted rim, and is prized for its refreshing, easy-drinking character.

mexican cocktail tequila grapefruit vegan beginner quick

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Steps

Prepare the glasses: run the cut side of the lime wedge around the rims of 2 highball glasses, then dip the rims lightly into the fine sea salt. A thin salt rim is best so it seasons the drink without overpowering it.

1 lime wedge, cut from 1 lime lime wedge4 g fine sea salt

Fill each glass with half of the ice cubes. Using plenty of ice keeps the drink cold and slows dilution.

300 g ice cubes

In a shaker or large measuring jug, combine the tequila blanco, fresh pink grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. Stir or shake briefly just until well mixed; do not over-shake if using lots of ice, or the drink will dilute too quickly.

100 ml tequila blanco180 ml fresh pink grapefruit juice30 ml fresh lime juice10 ml agave syrup

Divide the mixture evenly between the 2 prepared glasses, then top each with chilled soda water. Stir gently once to combine while keeping the bubbles lively.

120 ml chilled soda water

Garnish each glass with a grapefruit slice and serve immediately while cold and sparkling.

2 slices grapefruit slice