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The unbeatable refreshing flavors from grapefruit and lime and fizzy sensations in this Paloma pitcher recipe are about to liven up your tastebuds and friends!
Pitcher Palomas for a Crowd
When it comes to entertaining and making cocktails for a crowd, pitcher recipes are the way to go because I don't have to be the bartender when my friends ask for another Paloma cocktail.
Having an entire website dedicated to tequila recipes, I can't play favorites, but I'll tell you that the last time I made a pitcher of palomas for my friends, they went down easy, and everyone wanted a second! So buy extra ingredients is what I'm saying.
What You Need
You'll find the amounts to this Paloma pitcher in the recipe card below; but before you make any swaps, check out why each ingredient is needed:
- Blanco or Silver Tequila: use your favorite brand, as long as it's not the cheap stuff.
- Grapefruit juice and lime juice: freshly squeezed is always the best. My grocery sells fresh grapefruit juice in the refrigerated section so I often use that to save time.
- Simple syrup: or honey. Optional for added sweetness if your grapefruit isn't too sweet.
- Sparkling water: this will add that pop of fizz when topping the cocktail glasses.
The Best Tequila for Palomas
When making a pitcher-sized Paloma, you want something that not only tastes good but is also affordable. Some of my favorite Silver or Blanco tequilas are Patrón Silver, Casamigos Blanco, and Espolón Blanco, all of which are affordable and easy to find.
How to Make Pitcher Palomas
Grab your favorite pitcher and make some space in the fridge because you're about to be the ultimate host with this pitcher recipe!
- Prep the Glass
Using a lime wedge, rub along the glass's edge, ensuring all sides are coated in juice. Dip the rim into salt. - Fill the pitcher
Pour alcohol and liquid ingredients in a pitcher and give it a good mix. Add some ice, but not too much, and refrigerate until ready to serve. - Pour
Before pouring, give the contents of the pitcher a good stir. Pour ⅔ of the way to the top, leaving room for the fizzy sparkling water. - Garnish
Give the drink one last stir and add your garnish of choice, or get fancy and add both! Two garnishes never hurt anyone.
How Many People Does a Pitcher of Cocktails Serve
What I love about pitcher recipes is that they usually serve up to 8 cocktails which means that I can enjoy and sip with my company instead of having to make drinks one by one. This recipe can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge in a standard pitcher and even doubled depending on its size. Win, win!
Need a second pitcher to serve everyone? Try my Pitcher Skinny Margarita recipe, this tequila lemonade pitcher, or a batch of my famous Tequila Punch!
How to Serve Pitcher Palomas
I love to add a little extra flare to my cocktails when people come over by adding grapefruit and lime wedges in the pitcher. You can also skewer them through a cocktail pick to hold them in place on the glass.
When company comes, easy foods we can much on and can be made ahead are also winners like my famous Pico De Gallo served with chips and my Street Tacos from my Cookbook.
Paloma Pitcher Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups grapefruit juice
- 2 cups tequila, Blanco or Silver
- ¼ cup lime juice, juice from about 4 limes
- ¼ cup simple syrup or honey, optional
- 2 cups sparkling water, to top off
- Lime or grapefruit wedge, for garnish
- Salt, for rimming
Instructions
Fill the pitcher:
- Measure and pour the grapefruit juice, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup into a pitcher. Add a small handful of ice and mix to come. Refrigerate.
Serve:
- For salted glasses, prepare them by rubbing a lime wedge along the rim. Dip each glass in tequila salt and fill with fresh ice.
- Stir the prepared Pamola inside the pitcher with a long spoon, then pour it over the prepared glasses, filling them ¾ of the way. Top with sparkling water, about ¼ cup each. Stir and garnish with a wedge of lime or grapefruit.
Ellie says
This was great!
Mattea says
Perfect paloma recipe for a crowd!
Cynthia says
This was soooo refreshing! Loved the grapefruit flavor, and being able to make palomas for a crowd!