Grapefruit Paloma
This Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail consists of silver tequila, grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, and some agave nectar or simple syrup to sweeten. Adding some grapefruit slices and a zesty rim makes this cocktail a stunner!
Try our Grapefruit Mojitos next!
Paloma Cocktail
After my brother and family visited us in Texas, and we enjoyed a Paloma (or two), I knew I had to recreate this delicious cocktail. It’s the perfect drink to serve poolside and we enjoyed these grapefruit cocktails with our large group.
Why This Recipe Works:
- REFRESHING – The Paloma Cocktail is a popular tequila-based drink that is often served on hot summer days. A great refreshing drink for a happy hour too!
- QUICK AND SIMPLE – This classic cocktail takes only a few minutes to make and is perfect for a last-minute gathering.
- LARGE-BATCH – A Paloma Cocktail Recipe is a great one to make in large-batch form for parties.
- IMPRESSIVE – We love how pretty these tequila drinks look! Make sure you add some zest to the rim of the glass and a wedge of grapefruit too.
What You’ll Need for a Paloma Cocktail:
- Tequila – For a classic Paloma, I recommend using a blanco tequila, which is a clear and unaged tequila with a fresh and vibrant flavor. The clean taste allows the other ingredients in the cocktail to shine through. We normally use Altos and it’s a great blanco tequila.
- Grapefruit Juice – If you have a bunch of extra grapefruits, you can use fresh grapefruit juice for this recipe. I normally use store-bought grapefruit juice and while Ruby Red is a favorite (as it’s a little bit sweeter), you can use any grapefruit juice you like.
- Limes – Fresh lime juice is an essential ingredient in a Paloma cocktail as it adds a bright, tangy flavor.
- Grapefruit – Slice the grapefruit into slices to add to the finished Mexican cocktail.
- Agave – Use Agave Nectar if you prefer a more natural and subtle sweetness in the Paloma. If you want more sweetness, use simple syrup.
- Garnish – We like a zesty rim with a combo of lime zest and salt. Alternatively, you could combine lime zest and sugar instead to add to the rim of your glass. I recommend using plenty of fresh grapefruit and lime slices as well.
How to make a pitcher of Paloma Cocktails:
Step 1
Squeeze limes. Use a citrus press to squeeze limes for the Palomas.
Pro-Tip: It’s a good idea to let limes sit at room temperature for about an hour before squeezing them to get the most juice possible. You can also roll the limes firmly on a countertop or cutting board before cutting them open to help release the juice.
Step 2
Combine ingredients. In a large pitcher, combine the ingredients – Silver Tequila, grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and Agave nectar. Stir well.
Step 3
Prep for the lime rim. Add some lime zest and kosher salt to a small plate.
Step 4
Prep glasses. Prep the glasses by running a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Then press the glass into the zest and salt. Fill glasses with crushed ice.
Step 5
Slice fruit. Slice some grapefruit and lime into wedges and add to the pitcher.
Step 6
Serve. Pour the Grapefruit Palomas into the prepped glasses filled with ice cubes. Add a grapefruit slice to each glass.
Alternatively, you can add some of the cocktails to a cocktail shaker full of ice and shake vigorously to chill. Then pour into glasses.
Optional. Add a splash of club soda or sparkling water to add some bubbles to each tequila cocktail when serving.
Snacks to serve with a Paloma Cocktail:
Recipe FAQs:
The word “Paloma” is Spanish for “dove,” and it’s believed that the name of the cocktail comes from its pale color, which resembles that of a dove. The Paloma cocktail is a popular drink in Mexico and is often served as a refreshing alternative to the classic margarita.
1) Paloma is typically made with tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and agave syrup or simple syrup, while the Margarita is made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur (such as Cointreau) or triple sec.
2)The Paloma has a light, refreshing taste with a balance of sweet and tart flavors while the Margarita, on the other hand, has a more intense, tangy flavor that is both sweet and sour.
3) The Margarita is typically a stronger cocktail than the Paloma, as it contains more alcohol and less mixer.
Pro-Tip: I recommend waiting to add the fruit to the pitcher of drinks until almost ready to serve.
Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)
xoxo ~Sue
Grapefruit Paloma Recipe
Ingredients
- 18 oz. silver tequila
- 3-4 oz. lime juice
- 24 oz. grapefruit juice
- 6 Tablespoons agave – or use simple syrup
- club soda – to serve
Instructions
- Squeeze limes. Use a citrus press to squeeze limes for the Palomas.
- Combine ingredients. In a large pitcher, combine the ingredients – Silver Tequila, grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and Agave nectar. Stir well.
- Prep for the lime rim. Add some lime zest and kosher salt to a small plate.
- Prep glasses. Prep the glasses by running a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Then press the glass into the zest and salt. Fill glasses with crushed ice.
- Slice fruit. Slice some grapefruit and lime into wedges and add to the pitcher.
- Serve. Pour the Grapefruit Palomas into the prepped glasses filled with ice cubes. Add a grapefruit slice to each glass.Alternatively, you can add some of the cocktails to a cocktail shaker full of ice and shake vigorously to chill. Then pour into glasses.
- Optional. Add a splash of club soda or sparkling water to add some bubbles to each tequila cocktail when serving.
I love a Paloma and this is a good one. The grapefruit is so refreshing so great for summer!! I will be making often!!
Refreshing and fun! Love it!