The Paloma is an everyday drink made with tequila and grapefruit soda, often with a salted rim, drunk cold from a glass bottle at a taqueria or over ice in a highball at a backyard cookout.
It’s easier than a margarita to make, and probably the most popular tequila drink in Mexico, or at least tied for the top spot.
The grapefruit bitterness balances the tequila rather than sweetens it, and keeps it simple with just two ingredients.
TL;DR
New to home bartending?
Grab my favorite full bartender kit, which covers most of the basics in one shot, so you are ready to make this recipe.
The tequila
Blanco tequila is traditional when you want 100% agave. The mineral, grassy quality of a good blanco plays directly against the grapefruit. Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, and Cazadores are all solid at a reasonable price, but avoid anything labeled “gold.”
The grapefruit soda
Jarritos Toronja (grapefruit) is the classic Mexican option, but I can’t always find it at home, so Fever Tree Pink Grapefruit.
Both have more authentic grapefruit flavor and less sweetness than most American sodas. Just avoid is a soda so sweet it wipes out the tequila.
Salt rim
A salted rim (optional but recommended) suppresses the bitterness of the grapefruit and makes the citrus flavor pop. Run a lime wedge around the rim and dip in coarse salt before you build the drink.
My cocktail garnishes guide has more detail on how to do a clean, even salt rim without making a mess.
3-Ingredient Upgrade: Add Fresh Citrus
Add 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice (use this citrus juicer to make your own), then top with grapefruit soda. This is actually how many bars make a Paloma. The lime adds brightness and acidity that grapefruit soda alone doesn’t have.
With a salted rim, this version is close to a proper fresh Paloma.
Add dehydrated grapefruit slices make a beautiful rim garnish if you want to spruce it up and get fancy.
Mocktail Version
Grapefruit soda with a squeeze of fresh lime and a salted rim. It’s tasty and doesn’t need anything else. You can add a splash of sparkling water if the soda runs too sweet.
Tequila cocktails to try next
More 2-Ingredient Tequila Cocktails
- Tequila Soda
- Tequila Lemonade
- Tequila Pineapple
- Tequila Watermelon
Simple Paloma
Serves 1
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila (100% agave)
- 4 oz grapefruit soda (Jarritos Toronja or Squirt)
- Coarse salt, for rim
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of a highball glass and dip in coarse salt.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add tequila.
- Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
3-Ingredient Fresh Citrus Version
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila (100% agave)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz grapefruit soda
- Coarse salt, for rim
- Lime wedge or dehydrated grapefruit slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of a highball glass and dip in coarse salt.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add tequila and lime juice.
- Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or dehydrated grapefruit slice.
NEW TO HOME BARTENDING?
My favorite full bartender kit covers most of the basics in one shot, so you are ready to make this recipe.
COCKTAIL PREP
- Jigger or Measuring glass
- Citrus juicer — fresh juice makes a real difference.
- Cocktail zester and Fruit peeler — citrus twists, and wide strips for expressed peels.
- Clear ice cube maker or Clear sphere ice maker — Best for spirit-forward drinks.
SHAKING & STIRRING
- Boston shaker — two-piece metal shaker
- Mixing glass — for stirred cocktails
- Hawthorne strainer and Fine-mesh strainer — perfect combo for a double strain
- Bar stir sticks — Long enough to reach the bottom
