This Paloma cocktail recipe is easy to make, yet still creates a complex and refreshing drink. A Paloma is usually made with blanco tequila, as this offers a clean and appealing citrus base to build the drink around, but you could opt for a reposado tequila to add notes of vanilla and caramel. However, Añejo tequila will usually be too oaky for the light, fruity flavor profile of a Paloma. Lastly, you could try mixing a Paloma with mezcal, another agave-based spirit. Despite both being made with the same raw material, there are a few differences between the two spirits. Mezcal is known for its smoky flavors and, in a Paloma, brings an interesting contrast to the tart citrus notes of the grapefruit and lime.
Though the traditional recipe features grapefruit soda, many bartenders now choose to use fresh grapefruit juice instead as the trend shifts towards using fresh juice in bars. You can top it up with a dash of sparkling water to maintain the fizzy and carbonated texture. Grapefruit juice will create a drier cocktail, but you can add a small amount of sugar syrup to the drink to balance the dryness and keep the flavors closer to the original recipe.
For a margarita, it’s common to rim the glass with salt to enhance the flavors of the drink. You can rim your Paloma glass too, if desired, which brings a welcome savory quality to the cocktail. If you want to rim the glass, rub a wedge of lime around the edge, before dipping it into a plate of salt to coat the rim. In the recipe above, we’ve suggested simply adding a pinch of salt directly into the drink to achieve this flavor note instead.
Variations on the Classic Paloma
The list of Paloma cocktail ingredients is simple, limited to three elements. However, there are lots of spins you can put on a Paloma to personalize it to your tastes. If you’re making this for a summer party, try swapping the grapefruit soda for pineapple juice, to bring a tropical twist to this classic cocktail. Or, if you like a spicy margarita, you can introduce a touch of heat to a Paloma. Add a dash of jalapeño pepper simple syrup to the cocktail for a spicy take on this colorful drink. During the festive season ingredients, such as pomegranate and cranberry juice, pair well with the citrus base of this cocktail, and mean you can enjoy drinking this cocktail year-round.
For more tequila cocktails, take a look at our guide to 15 of the easiest tequila drinks to try shaking up at home.
Glassware and Garnishing
A Paloma cocktail is built in the glass, usually using a long highball. Though you may find it served in other shapes and sizes, this is the classic glassware to use for an authentic Paloma. If you don’t have a highball glass to hand, it’s also acceptable to make a Paloma in shorter, tumbler glasses.
In the basic recipe above, we’ve suggested garnishing the drink with a lime wheel, but you’ll also regularly find this cocktail finished with a wedge of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary. You can rim the glass with salt, if preferred, though this isn’t necessary with a Paloma. Edible flowers add vibrant colors and a final touch of elegance to the drink for an elevated serve.
Intended for ages 21+. Please drink responsibly.
