Where does Paloma originate?

The cocktail comes from Mexico and it's originally made with just tequila and Squirt (a brand of grapefruit soda). It's a simple cocktail and just as popular, if not more, as a margarita.

What's the difference between a margarita and a Paloma?

They're both tequila-based cocktails with lime juice, and simple syrup, but Paloma also has fresh grapefruit juice and grapefruit soda or sparkling water. If you've never tried it before, definitely give it a shot!

What grapefruit soda do I use? Where do I find it?

I like using grapefruit LaCroix because it's sugar-free and has a good flavor. Any grapefruit soda you like works. If you can't find any, plain sparkling water is a great option.

What does Paloma cocktail taste like?

It's a refreshing, sweet, slightly bitter cocktail that's usually served with grapefruit soda which gives it more texture and makes it easier to drink (less alcohol concentration).

Grapefruit Paloma

Name: Grapefruit Paloma
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Glass prep: 1 tsp coarse sea salt or Himalayan pink salt + a lime wedge; 1 ½ oz silver tequila; 3 oz grapefruit juice; 1 oz lime juice; ½ oz simple syrup (see notes for how to make it); Ice; Grapefruit soda (I used LaCroix); Lime and grapefruit slices for garnish (dried lime or grapefruit slices are also a great garnish option)

Description

This Grapefruit Paloma is made with fresh grapefruit juice and grapefruit soda, and it's the perfect cocktail for any occasion!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Glass prep: 1 tsp coarse sea salt or Himalayan pink salt + a lime wedge
1 1/2 oz silver tequila
3 oz grapefruit juice
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup (see notes for how to make it)
Ice
Grapefruit soda (I used LaCroix)
Lime and grapefruit slices for garnish (dried lime or grapefruit slices are also a great garnish option)

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Instructions

To prep your glass, add sea salt to a plate and run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Dip the outside of the glass into the salt and set it aside.
Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
Add a handful of ice and shake vigorously for 5-10 seconds until very cool.
Pour into your prepared glass over ice, top up with grapefruit soda, and garnish with a slice of lime or grapefruit. Enjoy!

Notes

Simple syrup: Add ½ cup water and ½ cup water to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly. Let the syrup cool and transfer to a jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Non-alcoholic version: Substitute the tequila with a non-alcoholic spirit of choice or skip it completely. Add the rest of the ingredients to a shaker and serve over ice topped up with grapefruit sparkling water. Add a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice for more flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size:
Calories: 218
Sugar: 13.7 g
Sodium: 2.6 mg
Fat: 0.1 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 23.5 g
Fiber: 0.1 g
Protein: 0.5 g