The Paloma is a tequila-based cocktail that checks ALL the boxes: light, refreshing, fizzy, slightly sweet, AND tart, making it a drink that you can feel great about and really enjoy. No matter the season, this crisp, grapefruit-flavored, low-calorie Paloma Cocktail is easy to make and quenches thirst like no other!
The Paloma cocktail is like a bubbly margarita. If you’re needing a break from the traditional Margarita or you want to experiment more with tequila drinks, this perfect Paloma recipe is just the cocktail to try.
Paloma Ingredients
The two main ingredients in a traditional Paloma recipe are tequila and grapefruit, yet the sky’s the limit to the variations! The ingredients needed are:
- Silver tequila: Use a good quality silver tequila that is 100% agave for the best and freshest flavor. You could also use Mezcal for a smoky flavor.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best if you have it, but using bottled lime juice will still give you a delicious paloma.
- Grapefruit juice: All citrus juices are best when they come right from the fruit, but if you are short on time or grapefruits are not in season, canned grapefruit juice will work in his recipe. Look for a can labeled 100% grapefruit juice.
- Sparkling grapefruit juice: I love to use Jarritos for Palomas. Depending on how sweet you like it, you can use grapefruit soda like Fresca or Squirt in place of sparkling water. I’ve also mixed in a little La Croix’s grapefruit sparkling water. It kept the grapefruit flavor front and center while slicing out several of those pesky calories.
How to Make a Paloma
No cocktail shaker or fancy bar tools are needed to whip up a Paloma drink for yourself and a friend! Below is an overview of how to make a Paloma. For the full recipe including all of the measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Add tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit juice to a glass with ice.
- Top with your choice of grapefruit soda or just plain sparkling water.
- Stir to combine, then pour into a tall glass full of crushed ice.
How to Serve
Crushed ice helps keep this fabulous cocktail cold and frosty. A grapefruit or lime wedge makes the perfect garnish and can add a little extra citrus kick depending on your preferences. You can also rim your glass with salt before mixing up the cocktail.
Other Tequila Drinks
The first drink that comes to mind when you think of tequila may be a classic margarita, but we have many other tequila cocktail recipes and margarita variations that are outstanding!
If you try this Paloma drink recipe or any of our other cocktails, leave a comment and tell us what you think!
Paloma Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 ounces grapefruit juice
- 3 ounces sparkling grapefruit juice (see note)
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients and strain into a glass full of crushed ice.
Notes
Did You Make This
Paloma Cocktail
Shawn Marsteller says
Great drink, actually very similar to a margarita!!
Sarah W says
My favorite of all time! Excellent cocktail using lower calorie options. It’s especially hydrating and refreshing on a hot day.