Paloma Tequila Cocktail

Written by
Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham is a cocktail expert, professional bartender, and cookbook author with over 10 years of experience in the food-writing world.
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Colleen Graham
Updated 04/27/20
Paloma Cocktail

The Spruce Eats
  • Total: 3 mins
  • Prep: 3 mins
  • Cook: 0 mins
  • Yield: 1 cocktail (1 serving)

The paloma is a thirst-quenching tequila cocktail that's very easy to mix up. A favorite drink from Mexico, it is equally popular worldwide and one of the best ways to show off a great tequila. Paloma is the Spanish word for "dove," and it's a fitting name for this sparkling grapefruit drink.

Though there are variations, two elements are essential in any paloma recipe: tequila and grapefruit. It's a beautiful match, especially with a tart lime accent and a little fizz. Traditionally, grapefruit soda is used, and Jarritos Toronha has typically been the brand of choice. It's not too hard to find this Mexican soda, especially if you look at markets that sell international food or shop online.

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Click Play to See This Perfectly Refreshing Paloma Recipe Come Together

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients

    Ingredients for Paloma Cocktail
    ​The Spruce

  2. If desired, rim a collins glass with salt. Begin by wetting the rim with a lime wedge, then roll it in a small dish of salt.

  3. Fill the glass with ice and add the tequila and lime juice.

  4. Top it off with grapefruit soda and enjoy!

    Paloma cocktail with lime wedge
     The Spruce

Tip

  • If you cannot find Jarritos, Squirt and Fresca are grapefruit sodas that are easy to find. Try the paloma with any grapefruit soda. There are many impressive options, including Hansen's, Izze, and Q Drinks.
  • Choose a great blanco tequila. If you're in the mood to splurge, reposados are nice as well. Fight the temptation to play the cheapskate simply because this is a tall drink. The same quality rules you apply to the margarita should carry over to the paloma.
  • The average lime yields between 1/2 ounce and 1 ounce of juice, so a large lime can create two drinks. To increase the yield, let cold limes reach room temperature and apply firm pressure while rolling the fruit under the palm of your hand on the cutting board.

Recipe Variations

  • No grapefruit soda? Pour 2 ounces of grapefruit juice and give it sparkle by filling the glass with club soda.
  • Once you learn to love the paloma, get a taste of the cantarito. The drink is just as refreshing and simply builds on the citrus flavor.
  • Have an adventure with the spicy paloma. The recipe infuses Thai chile pepper into Aperol then adds it to a grapefruit juice-club soda paloma.

How Strong Is the Paloma?

Your paloma can be as strong or as weak as you choose to make it, it all depends on how much soda you pour. Generally, this tall drink is a mild 10 percent ABV (20 proof). That makes this equal to the average glass of wine, so enjoy and salud!

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