This Paloma with grapefruit juice is a refreshingly tart drink that will have you dreaming of tropical islands and warm sunny beaches. A simple cocktail with grapefruit juice, tequila, and lemon-lime soda served over ice. Add a salted or sugared rim for an extra layer of flavor.
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Fresh Grapefruit Cocktails for Summer
Nothing says summer like a refreshingly tart and slightly sweet grapefruit cocktail! With just the right amount of zest, these beverages are the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.
Plus, grapefruit cocktails are so versatile. They can be light like a Sea Breeze, refreshing like an effervescent pink greyhound or this sparkling paloma, or opt for bold with a grapefruit martini. Whatever way you whip them up they're sure to add a fruity twist to your cocktail bar.
What is a Paloma?
A classic Paloma is a Mexican drink with tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice. The traditional grapefruit soda used is Squirt, Jarritos Toronja, or Fresca.
History of Paloma Cocktail
The history of the Paloma cocktail is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Unlike other famous cocktails, the origins of a Paloma are not well-documented, and no one is quite sure who first mixed this refreshing drink. It's widely agreed that the Paloma originated in Mexico, and it has a long-standing connection with tequila, which is also native to Mexico.
One theory suggests that the Paloma was named after "La Paloma," a popular folk song from the early 1860s. This theory doesn't provide an exact creator or location but does give a possible explanation of the name.
Why This Grapefruit Paloma Recipe is the Best
This grapefruit tequila cocktail is the perfect combination of sweet and tart. The tang of the grapefruit is the ideal foil to the sweet tequila while adding bubbly lemon lime soda takes the refreshment up a notch.
The sweet bubbly twist makes this the perfect summery beverage for poolside, backyard barbecue, or happy hour on the back deck.
This sparkling grapefruit cocktail has a refreshing bite and is a bit on the tart side but a drop of simple syrup gives a little bump of sweetness.
It's a variation of a traditional Paloma. Fresh grapefruit juice and Sprite (or other lemon-lime soda) are used instead of grapefruit soda and lime juice.
This tequila and grapefruit juice cocktail is super easy to make and works just as well by the pitcher as it does when making them individually.
All you need is a couple of tall glasses, some crushed iced, and 4 simple ingredients: tequila, grapefruit juice, lemon-lime sparkling soda, and simple syrup.
It is also easy to adapt. Want a little more sparkle? Add more soda. Like a little more lime taste? Add a squeeze of lime. Not quite into tartness? Add some more simple syrup or a sugared rim. Easy, right? And there's more! Find variations below.
Paloma Drink Ingredients
Wondering what is in a Paloma cocktail? Well, this one has just 4 simple ingredients:
- Tequila
- Grapefruit Juice
- Lemon Lime Soda
- Simple Syrup (optional)
Best Tequila for Paloma
The best tequila for making a Paloma cocktail is Blanco (white) tequila. Jose Cuervo Silver and Patron Silver are great choices.
You can also use grapefruit tequila for some extra grapefruit flavor. Some brands are Dulce Vida, Espanita, and Manik.
Best Grapefruit Juice for Cocktails
The best grapefruit juice for making a Paloma or other cocktails depends on your personal taste preferences. Pink, Ruby Red, Yellow, or White grapefruit juices are all great for cocktails. The sweetest is Melogold and the tartest is White or Yellow.
When it comes to quality, you generally can't go wrong with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice. Freshly squeezed juice retains the bright, tart, and slightly sweet flavor of grapefruit that can elevate your cocktail.
How to Make a Paloma Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice. Add tequila.
- Pour in grapefruit juice.
- Add a touch of simple syrup if you like your drinks a little on the sweet side.
- Shake well then divide the grapefruit mixture between two tall ice-filled glasses.
- Top off each drink with lemon-lime soda until the glass is full. Stir.
- Garnish with slices of lime and lemon.
One sip of this homemade Paloma will have you dreaming of warm, tropical climates and an island vacation! I'm ready! How about you? Cheers!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Paloma - Use jalapeno simple syrup instead of plain simple syrup.
- Paloma with Aperol - Add a shot (1 ounce) of Aperol. It will give the drink a lovely red color and add more citrus flavor.
- Paloma with Tajin - Rim the glasses with a mixture of salt and Tajin seasoning.
- Vodka Paloma - Use vodka instead of tequila.
- Mezcal Paloma - Use mezcal instead of tequila.
Paloma Pitcher Recipe
Here's how to make this Paloma recipe by the pitcher:
- Fill a pitcher with ice.
- Pour in 4 cups of grapefruit juice, 2 cups of tequila, and 4 teaspoons of simple syrup. Stir to combine.
- To serve, pour into glasses filled with ice, filling them ¾ full.
- Top off the glasses with lemon-lime soda.
More Cocktails for Warm Summer Days
Vodka Limeade with a hint of orange.
Blueberry Mojito from Boulder Locavore
Kiwi Mojito with Tequila has a light and refreshing tropical flavor.
Watermelon Splash with pineapple is a delicious summertime cocktail.
Blue Curacao Cocktail for a tasty tropical drink.
Find even more easy cocktail recipes here on 2CM!
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Paloma with Grapefruit Juice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz grapefruit juice
- 4 oz. lemon lime soda or sparkling water
- 4 oz tequila
- 1 teaspoon Simple Syrup (optional)
- Garnish: lime slices, lemon slices, sugar rim (optional)
Instructions
- Add crushed ice to a tall cocktail shaker.
- Pour in grapefruit juice and tequila.
- Add simple syrup to the drink mixture if you like your drinks a little less tart. Shake to chill.
- If you prefer a sugar rim, rub a slice of lime around rim of each glass. Dip into a plate of coarse sugar.
- Divide the grapefruit-tequila mixture between 2 tall glasses filled with ice. Top with lemon lime soda or sparkling water. Stir.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of lime and a slice of lemon.
Notes
- Fill a pitcher with ice.
- Pour in 4 cups of grapefruit juice, 2 cups of tequila, and 4 teaspoons of simple syrup. Stir to combine.
- To serve, pour into glasses filled with ice, filling them ¾ full.
- Top off the glasses with lemon-lime soda.
Nutrition
This post has been updated and was first published on March 26, 2017.
