A crisp and citrusy tequila cocktail made with grapefruit soda or fresh juice, lime, and a salted rim. The Paloma is refreshing and tangy with just a touch of sweetness, making it a favorite for warm-weather sipping and taco nights alike.
Cocktail Overview
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🍸 Style: Highball / Refreshing
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🌿 Flavor Profile: Bright, citrusy, slightly bitter, lightly sweet
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🕰 Time to Make: 5 minutes
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🥃 Glassware: Highball or Collins glass
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🧊 Method: Built over ice
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Jigger
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Citrus juicer (if using fresh juice)
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Bar spoon
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Highball glass
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Salt plate for rimming (optional)
1. Optional: Rim Your Glass
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Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass.
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Dip into coarse salt or Tajín for a spicy-salty twist.
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Fill the glass with ice.
2. Build the Drink (Soda Version)
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Add to the glass:
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2 oz tequila blanco
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½ oz lime juice
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(Optional) pinch of salt
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Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently to combine.
3. OR: Build the Fresh Juice Version
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In a shaker, combine:
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2 oz tequila
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1½ oz grapefruit juice
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½ oz lime juice
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½ oz simple syrup or agave
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Shake briefly with ice and strain over fresh ice in a glass.
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Top with soda water and stir.
4. Garnish & Serve
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Garnish with a grapefruit wedge, lime wheel, or both.
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Add a sprig of mint for visual flair, if desired.
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Mezcal Paloma: Swap tequila for mezcal for a smoky twist.
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Spicy version: Muddle a jalapeño slice before building the drink.
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Frozen Paloma: Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy version.
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Herbal twist: Add a splash of rosemary or thyme syrup for complexity.
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Tacos al pastor, carnitas, or grilled fish
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Snacks: Spicy peanuts, chips & guac, or grilled elote
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Dessert: Citrus sorbet or grapefruit granita
Ingredients
Directions
-
Jigger
-
Citrus juicer (if using fresh juice)
-
Bar spoon
-
Highball glass
-
Salt plate for rimming (optional)
1. Optional: Rim Your Glass
-
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass.
-
Dip into coarse salt or Tajín for a spicy-salty twist.
-
Fill the glass with ice.
2. Build the Drink (Soda Version)
-
Add to the glass:
-
2 oz tequila blanco
-
½ oz lime juice
-
(Optional) pinch of salt
-
-
Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently to combine.
3. OR: Build the Fresh Juice Version
-
In a shaker, combine:
-
2 oz tequila
-
1½ oz grapefruit juice
-
½ oz lime juice
-
½ oz simple syrup or agave
-
-
Shake briefly with ice and strain over fresh ice in a glass.
-
Top with soda water and stir.
4. Garnish & Serve
-
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge, lime wheel, or both.
-
Add a sprig of mint for visual flair, if desired.
-
Mezcal Paloma: Swap tequila for mezcal for a smoky twist.
-
Spicy version: Muddle a jalapeño slice before building the drink.
-
Frozen Paloma: Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy version.
-
Herbal twist: Add a splash of rosemary or thyme syrup for complexity.
-
Tacos al pastor, carnitas, or grilled fish
-
Snacks: Spicy peanuts, chips & guac, or grilled elote
-
Dessert: Citrus sorbet or grapefruit granita