Pretty as a Picture (and Delicious to Boot!)
If you are a fan of tequila or if you’ve ever taken a trip to Mexico, you are likely familiar with the paloma (either because you have tried one or at least heard of the cocktail.) It is considered Mexico’s most beloved cocktails and with one sip, it is easy to see why. The paloma marries tequila with the bright, refreshing flavors of grapefruit to create a one-of-a-kind drink readily available at most bars. It is traditionally served on the rocks and may also include a salted rim. You can also find it pre-made at many grocery stores in cars, perfect for a quick cocktail to bring along to a party.
Palomas are certainly delicious, but they can be a bit much for those who don’t like strong citrus flavors. Over the years, many variations of the traditional paloma have developed and become popular. We have tried plenty of paloma cocktails (both traditional and otherwise) and created a list of our favorite recipes to share with you. If you’re looking for a cocktail to really embody bubbly joy, look no further than this list. One of the recipes below is sure to become one of your favorite drinks!
Traditional Paloma – 1 cup Tequila, 1 cup Grapefruit Juice, .24 cup Lime Juice, 2 tbsp Simple Syrup, 1 cup Club Soda, Salt, Grapefruit Slices, Lime Slice
Before we begin sharing the many paloma variations, let’s try a traditional recipe. The paloma is very simple to make but creates a truly impressive drink sure to be a hit with your friends. This recipe creates 4 servings, so be sure to have someone to share with! To create this drink:
- Moisten rim of 4 glass and dip in salt
- Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a small pitcher
- Stir thoroughly
- Pour into salt-rimmed glasses over ice
- Top with a splash of club soda
- Garnish with grapefruit and lime slices, then serve
Paloma Caliente – 2 oz Tequila, .75 oz Lime Juice, Grapefruit Soda, Jalapeno Slices, 5 Mint Leaves, Whole Jalapeno
Do you enjoy hot, spicy flavors and are willing to try a unique cocktail that combines the spicy jalapeno with the sweet grapefruit? Look no further than this recipe! The jalapeno pepper really compliments the tequila and is further enhanced with the carbonation from the grapefruit soda. To create this drink:
- Add tequila, mint leaves, and jalapeno slices to a glass
- Muddle ingredients
- Add ice and lime juice, then top with grapefruit soda
- Stir thoroughly to mix
- Garnish glass with jalapeno, then serve
La Nuestra Paloma – 2 oz Tequila, 1 oz Lime Juice, .75 oz Elderflower Liqueur, .75 oz Triple Sec, .5 oz Grapefruit Juice, 3 dashes Bitters, 2 oz Club Soda, Grapefruit Peel
The elderflower liqueur in this recipe adds a hint of floral softness to an otherwise bold cocktail. It creates a dimensional flavor that is both sweet and complex. If you are not a huge fan of floral flavors, adding a bit more grapefruit will help make it easier on the palette. To create this drink:
- Add all liquid ingredients (except club soda) to a cocktail shaker
- Shake vigorously
- Strain into ice-filled glass
- Top with club soda
- Garnish glass with grapefruit peel, then serve
La Tucita – 1 oz Tequila, 1 oz Melon Liqueur, .75 oz Lime Juice, 2 drops Salt Water, Grapefruit Soda
The sweet, bright flavors of melon and grapefruit mix surprisingly well together. This recipe combines the two fruits with the strong-handed tequila to create a unique and appealing cocktail. If you are looking for a drink that will really brighten your day, you have found your perfect match. To create this drink:
- Fill a glass with ice
- Pour tequila, melon liqueur, lime juice, and salt water over ice
- Top with a splash of grapefruit soda
- Stir thoroughly, then serve
Charred Grapefruit Paloma – 1.5 oz Tequila, .5 oz Simple Syrup, 1 oz Club Soda, 3 dashes Bitters, Egg White, Grapefruit
This unique approach to the paloma adds some smoky flavor that really gives the cocktail a kick. It takes a bit of prep work, so maybe save this recipe for a night when you have no other plans waiting. The effort has a very delicious reward: this is one of our favorite paloma recipes and will impress even frequent paloma drinkers. To create this drink:
- Cut the grapefruit in half horizontally and then cut one half into 3 slices
- Carefully char all grapefruit with an open flame
- Squeeze grapefruit half into a bowl and set slices aside
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add tequila, 2 ounces of charred grapefruit juice, simple syrup, club soda, egg white, and bitters into shaker
- Shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds
- Strain into cocktail glass
- Garnish glass with charred grapefruit slices, then serve
Paloma Perfecta – 3 oz Grapefruit Beer, .75 oz Grapefruit Juice, .75 oz Lime Juice, .75 oz Grapefruit Soda, 3 oz Club Soda, Grapefruit Wedge
This version of the paloma removes the tequila altogether and replaces it with grapefruit beer. This results in a headier, fuller-bodied cocktail that will make beer lovers rejoice and will impress even seasoned paloma fans. The beer blends well with the bright, tart flavors of the grapefruit to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience. To create this drink:
- Add ice to highball glass
- Pour all liquid ingredients into glass over ice
- Stir thoroughly
- Garnish glass with grapefruit wedge, then serve
Are you considering mixing up one of the tasty paloma recipes listed above next time you are searching for a new cocktail? We truly enjoy the bright flavors of the paloma and know they are sure to be a hit. The addition of grapefruit really helps these cocktails stand a step above the rest. Each of the recipes above is unique and rebrands the traditional paloma, but still pays homage to the cocktail recipe that started it all. Share this list with friends and consider mixing up a few of these for your next siesta!