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A fun twist on the classic, this winter Paloma offers delicious, tangy refreshment in every flavorful sip!
Easy Paloma for Winter
Snow in New Orleans? Not something I was expecting in 2025! While I'm not a fan of staying cooped up inside, shaking up some tequila cocktails is definitely on my list of snow day activities!
So when the cabin fever hit, and I needed a delicious pick me up, this winter Paloma saved the day! Made with a few simple ingredients, this cocktail offers all the refreshment and daily dose of Vitamin C your body is craving during the chillier months!
Ingredients
Everything you need to make this epic twist on the classic Paloma is listed in the recipe card below, but before you make any swaps, here is why each ingredient is needed:
- Grapefruit juice: freshly squeezed is the best, but store-bought will work just as well.
- Tequila: use your favorite brand of Blanco or Silver.
- Simple syrup: adds a bit of sweetness to this drink to balance out the tartness of the grapefruit juice.
- Sparkling water: to add height and bubbly refreshment to this cocktail. You'll want to use plain or citrus flavors.
- Garnishes: salt (optional) for rimming, grapefruit wedge, and a rosemary sprig.
How to Make a Winter Paloma
The detailed steps for making this winter cocktail are written in detail in the recipe card; here are some additional tips in each step to ensure the best sip:
- Prep the glass
If you enjoy a salted rim, start by prepping your glass first so you can enjoy your drink right after shaking it up. - Make the cocktail
You'll want to combine all required ingredients (minus the sparkling water) into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, and give everything a good shake until the sides of the glass are nice and frosted. - Serve & Garnish
Give your shaken mixture a good straining as your pour it into you prepared glass, top with fresh ice, and sparkling water. Garnish with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!
Garnishes
While I love finishing this cocktail off with traditional garnishes such as grapefruit wedges and rosemary, other fun ideas include a sugared rim for a bit of sweetness in every sip and take this drink to the next level by topping with a dehydrated orange slice for a pop of citrusy flavor!
What to Serve with a Winter Paloma
A cocktail this delicious needs an epic pairing! Serve this drink with light taco lettuce wraps, or my juicy street tacos paired with this easy blender salsa for the perfect topping.
More Winter Cocktails
If you love seasonal cocktails like this one, you'll love a winter Margarita, this cranberry Margarita, a spiced apple Margarita, a winter tequila sangria, and for a warm and cozy twist, a tequila hot chocolate.
Winter Paloma
Ingredients
- 3 ounces grapefruit juice
- 2 ounces tequila, Blanco or Silver
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces sparkling water, to top off
- 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, 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. Enjoy!
Katherine says
We're in texas and had the same snowstorm you got! It's over now, but I made these tonight and everyone loved them!