The Paloma is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail that perfectly balances the bold flavors of tequila with the zesty notes of lime juice and the sweetness of grapefruit soda. This drink is ideal for a sunny afternoon or a casual gathering with friends, offering a delightful mix of tangy and sweet in every sip.
While most of the ingredients for a Paloma are common, you might need to pay special attention to the grapefruit soda. Unlike regular sodas, this one has a distinct grapefruit flavor that is essential for the authentic taste of the cocktail. Make sure to check the beverage aisle or the specialty drinks section in your supermarket.

Ingredients For Paloma Recipe
Tequila: A distilled alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily found in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, Mexico.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed juice from limes, adding a tangy and acidic flavor to the drink.
Grapefruit soda: A carbonated beverage with a sweet and tangy grapefruit flavor, essential for the Paloma's unique taste.
Salt: Used for rimming the glass, enhancing the overall flavor by adding a slight salty contrast.
Grapefruit: A slice of this citrus fruit is used as a garnish, adding a fresh and aromatic touch to the cocktail.
Technique Tip for Making This Drink
When rimming the glass with salt, use a wedge of lime to moisten the rim before dipping it into the salt. This ensures an even coating and enhances the flavor of the Paloma.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
tequila - Substitute with mezcal: Mezcal offers a smoky flavor that can add a unique twist to the drink.
tequila - Substitute with vodka: Vodka provides a neutral base, allowing the other flavors to shine.
freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with bottled lime juice: Bottled lime juice is a convenient alternative, though it may lack the freshness of freshly squeezed juice.
grapefruit soda - Substitute with grapefruit juice and club soda: Mixing grapefruit juice with club soda can mimic the flavor and effervescence of grapefruit soda.
grapefruit soda - Substitute with lemon-lime soda and a splash of grapefruit juice: This combination can replicate the citrusy and bubbly nature of grapefruit soda.
salt - Substitute with sugar: Rimming the glass with sugar instead of salt can provide a sweeter contrast to the drink's tartness.
salt - Substitute with tajín: Tajín, a chili-lime seasoning, adds a spicy and tangy kick to the rim of the glass.
grapefruit slice - Substitute with lime slice: A lime slice can provide a similar citrus garnish and visual appeal.
grapefruit slice - Substitute with orange slice: An orange slice offers a different citrus note and a pop of color.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Drink
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- To keep your Paloma fresh, store the tequila and grapefruit soda separately in the refrigerator. This ensures they maintain their optimal flavors.
- If you have leftover lime juice, pour it into an airtight container or a small glass jar. Freshly squeezed juice can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
- For the grapefruit slices, place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. They should stay fresh for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
- When it comes to the salt for rimming, store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent clumping.
- If you want to prepare the drink in advance, mix the tequila and lime juice together and store in a sealed container in the fridge. This mixture can be kept for up to 24 hours.
- Avoid freezing the grapefruit soda as it can lose its carbonation and become flat. Instead, keep it chilled in the refrigerator.
- If you must freeze the tequila, it’s best to do so in a tightly sealed bottle. Note that freezing may slightly alter its texture, but it will still be safe to consume.
- For a quick and refreshing Paloma, prepare ice cubes using grapefruit soda. Simply pour the soda into an ice cube tray and freeze. Use these cubes in your drink to keep it cold without diluting the flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the Paloma into a heat-resistant glass or mug.
- Place the glass in a microwave and heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can alter the flavors.
- Alternatively, pour the Paloma into a small saucepan and gently warm it over low heat on the stove. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- If you prefer a cold Paloma, simply add fresh ice cubes to the glass and stir gently to refresh the drink.
- For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a bit more lime juice or add a splash of grapefruit soda before serving.
- Garnish with a fresh slice of grapefruit and a pinch of salt on the rim to enhance the presentation and taste.
Best Tools for Making This Cocktail
Rocks glass: A sturdy glass perfect for serving the Paloma, typically used for cocktails served over ice.
Salt rimmer: A tool to easily apply salt to the rim of the glass, ensuring an even coating.
Ice cube tray: Used to make ice cubes that will chill the drink without diluting it too quickly.
Jigger: A measuring tool to accurately measure the tequila and lime juice.
Citrus juicer: A tool to extract fresh lime juice efficiently.
Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir the drink gently, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.
Knife: Used to slice the grapefruit for garnish.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the grapefruit slice.
How to Save Time on Making This Drink
Pre-rim the glass: Rim your glasses with salt ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-squeezed lime juice: Buy freshly squeezed lime juice or squeeze it in bulk and store it in the fridge.
Chill ingredients: Keep your tequila and grapefruit soda chilled for a quicker mix.
Batch preparation: Prepare multiple servings in a pitcher and pour over ice when ready.
Garnish in advance: Slice your grapefruit and store the slices in an airtight container.

Paloma Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila
- ½ oz Lime juice freshly squeezed
- 4 oz Grapefruit soda
- 1 pinch Salt for rimming the glass
- 1 slice Grapefruit for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Rim the glass with salt.
- 2. Fill the glass with ice.
- 3. Add tequila and lime juice to the glass.
- 4. Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently.
- 5. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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