Classic Paloma Cocktail

With this recipe, you'll be able to transform your favorite tequila into a vibrant, easy-to-make Paloma cocktail for the ultimate refreshing drink!

What is a Paloma Cocktail?

A Paloma is a tequila-based, citrusy, and bubbly cocktail that combines tangy grapefruit juice with fizzy sparkling water. It's the ultimate refreshing drink that keeps you coming back for more with every sip.

I first tried this during a weekend girl's trip when, on a whim, I decided to take up the bartender's recommendation on the drink of the night, a Frozen Paloma cocktail. And while I've never been a fan of grapefruit, I'm now hooked on this on-the-rocks version too!

Ingredients

The measurements for this Paloma cocktail recipe will be in the recipe card below; but before you make substitutions, here is why each ingredient is used:

• Tequila: use your favorite brand of Blanco or Silver.
• Grapefruit and lime juice: freshly squeezed is always the best, but store-bought will work just as well.
• Simple syrup: highly recommended to make it a little sweeter.
• Sparkling water: makes the cocktail taller and fizzy; an instant winner! Use plain or citrus flavored (lime, orange, Fresca, or grapefruit).
• Salt and garnishes: optional to finish off the cocktail. 

Reduce the calories with my Skinny Paloma!

How to Make a Paloma Cocktail

The detailed steps for making this Paloma cocktail are written in detail in the recipe card; here are some additional tips in each to ensure the best drink:

1. Prep the glass
   If you want to enjoy the epic sweet and salty combination, start by rimming the glass with salt so you can enjoy your cocktail right after making it.
2. Shake it up
   All the cocktail ingredients get shaken up inside a shaker with the exception of the sparkling water -trust me, I made that intoxicated mistake once.
3. Serve & Garnish
   Freshen up the ice or pour the one in the shaker into your glass, top with sparkling water and garnish your drink!

The Best Kind of Tequila for Palomas

This Paloma recipe works best with Silver or Blanco tequila, both of which are affordable and easy to find wherever liquor is sold. Some of my favorite tequilas for this type of cocktail and margaritas are Patrón Silver, Casamigos Blanco, and Espolón Blanco.

What is the Difference Between a Paloma and a Cantarito?

Although both are delicious, the main difference between a Paloma and a Cantarito cocktail is that the Paloma cocktail is simpler since the latter adds orange juice and lemon juice. Apart from this, the rest of the ingredients are the same.

Paloma Rim Garnish

A Paloma isn't finished without a salted rim and a lime wedge! Prefer something sweeter? This cocktail is just as delicious with a sugared rim as it is with a salted one. Try them both and see which one you like best!

What to Serve With a Classic Paloma Cocktail

Pair this refreshing cocktail with my crowd-pleasing Teriyaki Chicken Tacos and finish the meal with the perfect touch of my Fresh Pineapple Salsa.

Classic Paloma Cocktail Recipe

Servings: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

This classic Paloma cocktail is bursting with fresh citrus flavors from grapefruit and lime juice, making it the perfect refreshment for any occasion.

5 from 14 votes

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Watch How It's Made

Ingredients

• 2 ounces grapefruit juice
• 2 ounces tequila, Blanco or Silver
• ½ ounce lime juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• 2 ounces sparkling water, to top off
• Lime or grapefruit wedge, for garnish
• Salt, optional for rimming

Instructions

Prep:

• If you enjoy a salted rim, prep the rim of your glass by rubbing a lime wedge along the rim. Dip in tequila salt, and set aside.

Make the cocktail:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add grapefruit juice, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using). Shake well until the sides are fully frosted.

Serve:

• Fill your glass with fresh ice, pour the cocktail through the strainer into your glass, and top the drink with sparkling water.
• Garnish with a lime or grapefruit wedge and a rosemary sprig -if you want to be extra.

Equipment

Salt Rimmer

Cocktail Shaker Set

Taco Tuesday Cookbook

Margarita Glasses

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg