Paloma Cocktail
Calling all tequila lovers, this Paloma recipe is for you! This refreshing and bright cocktail recipe features zesty lime and grapefruit flavors all stirred to perfection with your favorite mezcal. Serve it with a little Tajin on the rim of your glass to really send it over the top!
Paloma
Is it summer yet? Listen, I love the holidays as much as the next person… But I’m ready to introduce some fresh and fruity flavors back into my kitchen routine! Lately, I’ve been craving a classic Paloma like crazy.
The bitter yet refreshing flavors of grapefruit, lime, mezcal, and some cold ice cubes have been calling my name ever since August turned into September!
Did you know that the Paloma is considered one of (if not THE) most popular cocktails in Mexico? After just one sip, it’s not hard to see why.
When made just right, a Paloma should be totally refreshing, slightly sweet, bitter, fruity, and above all – boozy. They’re perfect for cooling off with on a hot summer day! Or, if you’re like me lately, they’re great for sipping on while you close your eyes and pretend you’re at the beach.
Another thing about Palomas I really love is how pretty they are. I’m not afraid to admit that I love showing off a good drink or two on social media, especially when they’re this vibrant and fun to garnish!
Speaking of garnishes, limes are the most popular go-to here. However, I like to really make everyone’s mouths water with a rim of Tajin (chili lime seasoning) on each glass.
What is a Paloma?
A Paloma is a tequila based cocktail drink popular in Mexico. It’s most often made with lime juice and a grapefruit soda like Jarritos or Squirt with a lime wedge garnish.
How to Make a Paloma
These easy to make Mexican cocktails will have you feeling like you’re at the sunny beach in no time!
- Rim the glasses. Pour the Tajin on a plate. You can use coarse salt if preferred. Rub the rim of your glass with a grapefruit wedge, then dip it into the seasoning (or salt) to create the rim.
- Make the cocktail! Here’s the fun part! Add ice to the glass, then top it with tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime or grapefruit juice if using.
- Garnish, sip, and enjoy. Actually, I take it back… THIS is the fun part. Garnish your glass with limes, rosemary, and grapefruit. Enjoy!
See what I mean about easy-peasy? You don’t even need to dirty up a cocktail shaker. This drink is all poured and stirred in one glass, which means less dishes for you!
Is a Paloma sweet?
This recipe yields more of a naturally bitter cocktail rather than a sweet one. If you’d like to sweeten it, I’d recommend first doing a taste test, then stir in a little bit of simple syrup until you reach your desired level of sweetness. You can also enhance the fruity lime and grapefruit flavors with stirring in some freshly squeezed lime and grapefruit juices.
What kind of tequila should I use?
When making Palomas, I always recommend using mezcal or tequila blanco. Any brand should do the trick! However, do try to stay away from very cheap bottom shelf liquors, as those tend to not yield the best flavor… And will likely give you a hangover. With that being said, you also don’t need the top shelf stuff! Try to find a good quality middle of the road tequila that you’re familiar with.
Can I make a Paloma ahead of time?
Since the Paloma drink is made with bubbles (grapefruit soda/sparkling water), I don’t recommend making them ahead of time. If you do, the desired fizz will fade and the drink will go flat. Palomas are meant to be stirred on sipped on right away!
Cheers! Enjoy more of the best refreshing cocktail recipes.
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Get the Recipe: Paloma Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- Tajin or Kosher Salt
- Grapefruit wedges
- 3 ounces mezcal or tequila blanco
- 9 ounces grapefruit soda or grapefruit sparkling water
- Lime juice, optional
- Grapefruit juice, optional
Equipment
- Collins glass
Instructions
- Pour the Tajin (chili lime seasoning) or salt on a plate. Rub the rim of a highball or champagne glass with the grapefruit wedge and dip the rim in the seasoning or salt to coat.
- Add ice to the glass. Divide the tequila evenly between to two glasses and top with the grapefruit soda.
- Stir in the lime juice and grapefruit juice, if using.
- Serve immediately garnished with lime slices, rosemary sprig and grapefruit slices, if desired.
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