The Paloma is Mexico’s national cocktail and is beloved for its refreshing simplicity. Made with just three key ingredients—tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda—the Paloma delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and slightly bitter flavors. Easier to make than a Margarita, this tequila-based highball is perfect when you’re craving something refreshing with minimal effort. While Jarritos grapefruit soda is a popular choice in Mexico, other grapefruit sodas like Squirt are also widely used. The addition of a pinch of salt or a spiced salt rim, like Tajín, enhances the drink's savory complexity.
Preparation: 3 minutes
Skill level: Beginner
Serving: For 1 person
Preparation: 3 minutes
Skill level: Beginner
Serving: For 1 person
2 oz (60 ml) Blanco Tequila
1/2 oz (15 ml) Fresh Lime Juice
4 oz (120 ml) Grapefruit Soda, chilled
Pinch of salt (optional)
Lime wheel
Highball glass
Building
Add the tequila, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to a highball glass filled with ice.
Top with chilled grapefruit soda.
Stir briefly and gently to combine.
Garnish with a lime wheel and, optionally, rim the glass with spiced salt like Tajín for an extra kick.
Serve and enjoy the refreshingly simple flavors of the Paloma.
The Paloma is the national cocktail of Mexico, prized for its light, citrusy profile and minimal ingredients. Traditionally made with blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and grapefruit soda, the Paloma is a refreshing, easy-to-make highball. In Mexico, Jarritos grapefruit soda is a common choice due to its high carbonation and cane sugar sweetness, though other sodas like Squirt are also used. The drink is often served with a pinch of salt added directly to the glass or with a salted rim for an extra savory touch.
If you prefer a drier version of the Paloma, some bartenders opt for fresh grapefruit juice combined with soda water instead of soda, though this yields a less sweet drink. For a balance closer to the original, you can add a bit of simple syrup, though this moves away from the simplicity that makes the Paloma so beloved.
For a modern twist on the classic Paloma, try using fresh grapefruit juice instead of grapefruit soda, topped with soda water for a lighter, drier cocktail. Adding a touch of simple syrup can adjust the sweetness if you prefer a smoother finish. Experiment with different salts for the rim, such as chili-lime or smoked salt, to add an extra layer of flavor to this already refreshing drink.
For a fragrant herbal variation, you can add fresh rosemary. Lightly muddle a sprig of rosemary in the glass before adding the tequila and other ingredients. The rosemary adds a subtle, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the citrus and enhances the complexity of the cocktail. Garnish with an extra sprig of rosemary for a visually striking and flavorful twist.
Discover more recipes and variations on our blog
The Paloma is the national cocktail of Mexico, prized for its light, citrusy profile and minimal ingredients. Traditionally made with blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and grapefruit soda, the Paloma is a refreshing, easy-to-make highball. In Mexico, Jarritos grapefruit soda is a common choice due to its high carbonation and cane sugar sweetness, though other sodas like Squirt are also used. The drink is often served with a pinch of salt added directly to the glass or with a salted rim for an extra savory touch.
If you prefer a drier version of the Paloma, some bartenders opt for fresh grapefruit juice combined with soda water instead of soda, though this yields a less sweet drink. For a balance closer to the original, you can add a bit of simple syrup, though this moves away from the simplicity that makes the Paloma so beloved.
For a modern twist on the classic Paloma, try using fresh grapefruit juice instead of grapefruit soda, topped with soda water for a lighter, drier cocktail. Adding a touch of simple syrup can adjust the sweetness if you prefer a smoother finish. Experiment with different salts for the rim, such as chili-lime or smoked salt, to add an extra layer of flavor to this already refreshing drink.
For a fragrant herbal variation, you can add fresh rosemary. Lightly muddle a sprig of rosemary in the glass before adding the tequila and other ingredients. The rosemary adds a subtle, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the citrus and enhances the complexity of the cocktail. Garnish with an extra sprig of rosemary for a visually striking and flavorful twist.
Discover more recipes and variations on our blog
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