Fitness / June 13, 2023

How To Make a Perfect Paloma

With our easy-to-follow Paloma recipe, you can experience this refreshing Mexican beverage that blends the bright flavors of tequila, grapefruit, and lime. Perfect for hot days and summer soirees.

Table of Contents

A Paloma is a classic Mexican cocktail that has increased in global popularity. And why shouldn’t it? It’s refreshing and features an invigorating blend of flavors, including those of tequila (being a Mexican cocktail, this ingredient was a given), grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a drop of simple syrup, all topped off with sparkling water. The mix of citrus and bubbles is sure to quench your thirst, making this a go-to cocktail on hot days.

Don’t get the Paloma mixed up with a margarita, though! Yes, both feature tequila and deftly mingle the worlds of tangy and sweet, but the paloma shakes it up by using grapefruit instead of lime juice and triple sec, like the margarita.

INGREDIENTS

I recommend blanco tequila (or silver tequila, as it’s sometimes called), which provides a crisp and clean finish.

2 oz tequila (preferably blanco or silver)
2 oz fresh grapefruit juice (preferably fresh)
2 oz sparkling water
½ oz lime juice
¼ oz simple syrup (optional)
salt (for the rim)
ice
grapefruit wedges for garnish (optional)

Utensils Needed:

For this recipe, you will need the following:

A cutting board and knife to cut the lime and grapefruit wedges
A small plate for the salt
A stirring spoon or cocktail stirrer to combine the ingredients
A measuring cup or jigger to measure the liquids
A glass for serving (preferably a highball or Collins glass)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Prepare the glass by running a lime wedge along the rim and then dipping the rim into a small plate filled with salt.

Add

In the prepared glass, add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the glass with ice and give it a gentle stir to combine.

Top

Top the glass with sparkling water, give a final gentle stir, garnish with a grapefruit wedge if desired.

DEVOUR!

Tips and Tricks for Crafting the Perfect Paloma

The Paloma is a delightfully simple drink to concoct. Nevertheless, here are a few tips and tricks that can elevate your creation.

Sourcing the Best Ingredients

Opt for premium blanco (or silver) tequila, as its clear, crisp flavors perfectly complement the citrus. While freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juice may be more labor intensive, it is a game-changer. They boast a freshness you won’t get with prepackaged juices.

Experiment with Simple Syrup

We’ve listed simple syrup but it’s up to you how much to include (or whether to include it at all). The sweeter you like your beverages, the more of the syrup to add. If you prefer a tart and tangy drink, reduce the amount. Alternatively, replace the simple syrup with agave syrup to discover new flavor profiles.

Perfecting the Salted Rim

The salted rim not only affects the taste, it also looks pretty cool. Go with kosher or sea salt, and avoid iodized salt, as it can give off a metallic taste. Gently run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass then dip it a shallow dish filled with salt. For a change, try flavored salts or spices.

Cooling with the Right Ice

Because a paloma is traditionally enjoyed on hot days, ice is an important component in maintaining its temperature and balance. Opt for big cubes of clear ice, free from impurities, to truly enjoy the purity of this drink.

Variations

There’s always room for creativity and personalization, right? Here are some modifications that you can try out to find that version of the paloma that suits you best:

A Healthier, Low-Carb Paloma

If you’re seeking a lighter version, swap the simple syrup for a naturally sweet, low-calorie alternative like stevia or monk fruit extract. To further reduce carbs, replace the grapefruit juice with a low-sugar, low-carb grapefruit-flavored sparkling water. Doing so won’t sacrifice the drink’s citrusy taste and will add to its effervescence.

The Spicy Paloma

For that kick you spice lovers crave, add to your Paloma a few slices of jalapeño. Muddle the jalapeño slices with the lime juice; this will really get the fires burning. Want to go a step further? Use serrano or habanero peppers. Just add a bit at a time lest you add so much that it overpowers the citrus and tequila.

Mezcal Paloma

For a major shift, swap out the tequila for mezcal, another of Mexico’s renowned spirits. Mezcal is made from agave and adds a complex smoky undertone to the cocktail. This variant complements the citrus flavors and brings a newfound depth to the Paloma, a fantastic option for those who enjoy more robust, intricate profiles.

The Fruit-Infused Paloma

Go heavy on the citrus by introducing other fruits, like muddled strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries. The sweetness of these additions complements the tequila while exhibiting an irresistible visual appeal. For a tropical twist, add pineapple or mango puree — you’ll be in a tropical paradise in no time!

How To Make an Alcohol-Free Paloma

While tequila is a principal ingredient in the traditional Paloma, you can still leave it out and make a delicious beverage. A tequila-flavored syrup and sparkling water will replace the taste and add effervescence. You could also experiment with other non-alcoholic spirits that pair well with citrus.

FAQs

How should I drink a Paloma?

There is no ‘right’ way to drink a Paloma; it’s up to you. However, a few suggestions can enhance your enjoyment. First, take a small sip to appreciate the balance of flavors and the salted rim. Then, feel free to hold the glass by its stem (if using a stemmed glass) or the base to keep it chilled. Sip the Paloma slowly to experience the delightful interplay between the tangy citrus, the smooth tequila, and the effervescent bubbles.

What type of grapefruit juice should I use?

The grapefruit juice plays an integral role in your Paloma’s taste and quality. Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is ideal for a bright and fresh taste. If fresh juice is not available, opt for high-quality, pure grapefruit juice with no added sugars or artificial flavors. Note that you can use either pink or white grapefruit juice; as there are subtle differences in their tastes, experiment to see which you prefer.

Making Your Paloma Ahead of Time

Mix the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup (or your preferred sweetener) in a pitcher. Multiply the recipe by the number of servings you wish to prepare. Make sure to give the mixture a thorough stir to combine the ingredients evenly.

Storing Your Pre-Mixed Paloma

Once you’ve mixed your Paloma base, cover the pitcher or container with a lid or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Don’t add any ice or carbonation so that you don’t water the cocktail down and ruin its consistency. The pre-mixed Paloma base can be stored for up to 24 hours as long as it’s kept cold and sealed to preserve freshness and flavor.

How To Make A Paloma

With our easy-to-follow Paloma recipe, you can experience this refreshing Mexican beverage that blends the bright flavors of tequila, grapefruit, and lime. Perfect for hot days and summer soirees.

Course Drinks

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 5

Servings

Calories 180kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

2 oz tequila preferably blanco or silver
2 oz grapefruit juice preferably fresh
2 oz sparkling water
½ oz lime juice
¼ oz simple syrup depending on preference
salt for the rim
ice
grapefruit wedges for garnish optional

Instructions

Prepare the glass by running a lime wedge along the rim and then dipping the rim into a small plate filled with salt.
In the prepared glass, add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the glass with ice and give it a gentle stir to combine.
Top the glass with sparkling water, give a final gentle stir, garnish with a grapefruit wedge if desired.