Classic Paloma
Mexico’s most beloved tequila cocktail featuring fresh grapefruit, lime, and a hint of sweetness with a salted rim.
Recipe
- Blanco Tequila60 ml
- Grapefruit Soda90 ml
- Lime Juice15 ml
- Salt1 pinch
- Grapefruit1 wedge
Instructions
Equipment
Description
The Paloma is Mexico’s most popular tequila cocktail, celebrated for its perfect balance of tart grapefruit, smooth blanco tequila, and refreshing sparkling water. This vibrant drink captures the essence of Mexican sunshine with its bright citrus flavors and traditional salted rim, making it the ideal choice for warm weather entertaining or casual sipping.
Nutritional information
1 cocktail (210 ml)Tips & Notes
Swap out the grapefruit soda for 60 ml freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and introduce 15 ml agave syrup to make up for the sweetness of the soda. Then fill with club soda. (See our recipe for Fresh Paloma).
Always use high-quality blanco tequila for the cleanest, most authentic flavor profile - avoid aged tequilas which can compete with the citrus
Chill all ingredients beforehand, especially the grapefruit soda, to ensure the drink stays refreshingly cold throughout
Adjust sweetness to taste - if your grapefruit is particularly tart, add a bit agave nectar/syrup
For a spicy variation, mix the salt rim with a pinch of Tajin or chili powder, or muddle a slice of jalapeño with the other ingredients
Don't over-stir once you add the grapefruit soda - gentle incorporation preserves the effervescence
7.5 ml of Campari can add a little complexity
Can I use grapefruit soda instead of fresh juice and sparkling water?
Yes! This is actually the traditional Mexican preparation. Use 120ml of quality grapefruit soda (like Jarritos or Squirt) and omit the agave nectar since the soda provides sweetness. The fresh juice version offers brighter flavor, while soda gives authentic Mexican character.
What's the difference between a Paloma and a Greyhound cocktail?
A Paloma uses tequila as the base spirit and includes lime juice and sparkling water, often with a salt rim. A Greyhound uses vodka or gin with grapefruit juice and no additional citrus or carbonation. The Paloma is distinctly Mexican while the Greyhound is more American in origin.
How can I make this drink less tart?
Increase the agave nectar to 20-25ml, or use a sweeter grapefruit variety like Ruby Red. You can also add a splash of orange juice (about 15ml) to round out the citrus profile and add natural sweetness without overwhelming the grapefruit character.
Can I make a batch version for parties?
Absolutely! Multiply all ingredients except sparkling water by the number of servings needed. Mix tequila, juices, and agave nectar in advance and chill. Add sparkling water and ice just before serving to maintain carbonation. Prepare glasses with salt rims ahead of time.
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