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Savor the Flavors of Mexico with a Paloma Cocktail

Looking for a drink that’s both sweet and sour, with just the right touch of salt? Look no further than the Paloma cocktail, an iconic Mexican beverage that’s quick and easy to make. And with a boozy kick, it’s sure to leave you craving more.

Paloma cocktail in glass

What Is A Paloma Drink?

Paloma is a tequila-based cocktail. Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make drink? Look no further! Simply mix tequila, lime juice, and a grapefruit-flavored soda like Fresca, Squirt, or Jarritos for a delightful and flavorful beverage. Perfect for any occasion, give this drink a try and impress your guests with your mixology skills.

A different variation of this drink is made of tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and club soda. It is typically served over plenty of ice in a glass with a salted rim. Both variations are delicious and refreshing!!

Paloma is Spanish for “dove” The history of the drink is obscure — no one knows for sure who invented the Paloma. Some credit the legendary Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of the beloved La Capilla bar in the aptly-named town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico.

Why You’ll Love The Paloma Cocktail

•Whipping up a lip-smacking cocktail is as simple as pie with just a handful of ingredients! This drink will be your new bestie in no time!

•Whip up a delightful pitcher of this refreshing drink for your next shindig, backyard bash, or poolside soiree!

•Get your cocktail game on with fewer calories! Swap in grapefruit juice or zero-calorie Fresca as a mixer.

Differences Between a Paloma & Margarita

A Paloma is made with tequila, grapefruit juice, club soda, and lime. 

VERSUS

The Margarita is made with tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau or Triple Sec. 

If you’re watching calories, Paloma is lower in calories at 166 calories, versus a Margarita on the Rocks is a little over 200 calories, and a blended margarita is around 300 calories.

Paloma

For This Recipe You Will Need These Ingredients:

  • Tequila – Blanco Tequila or Reposado
  • Grapefruit soda – Squirt, Fresca, or Jarritos are all classic choices
  • Fruit – Fresh lime juice, and pink or regular grapefruit juice
  • Salt or Tajin – for glass rim

Making a Paloma Cocktail 

Paloma #1 with grapefruit soda

  • Rim glass with salt or Tajin (optional)
  • Fill a highball or rock glass two-thirds full with ice.
  • Slowly pour in grapefruit soda, filling the glass about one-third full.
  • Add Blanco tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and a pinch of kosher salt.
  • Stir gently and garnish with a grapefruit wedge or slice.

Paloma #2 with grapefruit juice

  • Rim glass with salt or Tajin (optional)
  • Fill a highball or rock glass two-thirds full with ice.
  • Add Blanco tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and sugar
  • Then add club soda, stir gently, and garnish with a grapefruit wedge or slice.

Don’t forget to pin and save this easy recipe for later!

Paloma Cocktail with Tajin rim

Variations of The Classic Paloma Cocktail

  • Frozen Paloma – Paloma #2 can be placed in the blender for a delicious slushy drink.
Frozen Paloma
  • Paloma cocktail with Tajin-rimmed glass
Paloma cocktail with Tajin

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Paloma Cocktail

Eunice Huerta
This iconic Mexican drink balances sweet, sour, and salty notes, packs a boozy kick and comes together in just a minute or two.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course cocktail, drink
Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 ounces tequila blanco or reposado
  • 4 ounces of grapefruit soda Squirt, Fresca, Ting, or Jarritos
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1.5 teaspoons grapefruit juice optional
  • Kosher salt
  • Salt or Tajin for rim
  • 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice ¼ cup
  • ½ oz. fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 oz. blanco tequila ¼ cup
  • 2 oz. club soda ¼ cup
  • Salt. Sugar or Tajin, for rim

Instructions
 

  • Rim glass with salt or Tajin (optional)
  • Fill a highball or rocks glass two-thirds full with ice.
  • Slowly pour in grapefruit soda, filling the glass about one-third full.
  • Add blanco tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and a pinch of kosher salt.
  • Stir gently and garnish with a grapefruit wedge or slice.
  • Rim glass with salt or Tajin (optional)
  • Fill a highball or rocks glass two-thirds full with ice.
  • Add blanco tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and sugar
  • Then add club soda, stir gently and garnish with a grapefruit wedge or slice.
Keyword Paloma recipe, Paloma drink, paloma cocktail, mexican paloma recipe
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