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Side view of a paloma cocktail on a wooden board with a grapefruit wedge on the side.
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Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail

This refreshing Mexican cocktail is made with tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave or simple sirop, ice and topped with grapefruit soda o sparkling water.
Course Cocktails, Drinks
Cuisine Latin American, Mexican
Keyword Easy and quick, Grapefruit, Paloma, Tequila
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 drinks

Ingredients

  • 4 oz blanco tequila 120 ml
  • 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice 120 ml
  • 2 oz fresh lime juice 60 ml
  • 1–2 tsp agave or simple syrup add more or less to taste
  • 4 oz grapefruit soda or sparkling water 120 ml
  • Ice

For the rim and garnish:

  • Tajín or coarse salt
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  • Rub the rims of two glasses with lime and dip in Tajín or salt.
    Rimming a glass with salt
  • Fill the glasses with ice.
  • In a shaker, combine the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave or simple syrup, and ice. Shake well.
    Preparing a paloma cocktail in a shaker, with a hand pouring in a measure of grapefruit juice
  • Pour the paloma cocktail mix from the shaker into the two prepared glasses.
  • Top with grapefruit soda for a sweeter, more classic Paloma, or sparkling water for a fresher, tart version.
    A glass filled with a grapefruit tequila cocktail topped with sparkling water on a kitchen counter
  • Garnish with grapefruit slices or lime wedges.
    Side view of a paloma cocktail on a kitchen counter, garnished with citrus and rosemary.

Notes

  • Make it a mocktail: Leave out the tequila and top with extra sparkling water or grapefruit soda for a non-alcoholic version everyone can enjoy.
  • Grapefruit soda vs sparkling water: grapefruit soda gives you a sweeter, more classic Paloma. Sparkling water keeps it drier and lets the fresh juice shine. Both taste great, it comes down to your personal preference. You can have both on hand and let your guests choose their preferred option.
  • This grapefruit Paloma cocktail scales up easily for a pitcher. Mix everything except the soda in a pitcher, keep it cold, and top each glass individually when serving so it stays fizzy.