The Perfect Paloma Cocktail Recipe

The Paloma is a Mexican favorite cocktail. Made with fresh grapefruit juice and silver tequila the classic Paloma is arguably more refreshing than a margarita.  This bright citrus drink is perfect for weekend get-togethers. 

The Perfect Paloma Cocktail Recipe

One look at this drink and I’m ready to be sitting poolside at a Mexican resort without a care in the world. Who’s with me?! 

If you’ve never had a Paloma cocktail in your life, you’ve really been missing out. With fresh grapefruit, bubbly club soda, and just enough tequila to make things interesting, you have the perfect spring and summer cocktail on your hands! 

Throw it in a fun cocktail glass of your choice and you have a sophisticated and refreshing craft cocktail to get you through any situation. So why waste any more time without one in your life, let’s get mixing!

What is a Paloma Cocktail?

Did you know the margarita isn’t actually Mexico’s most beloved cocktail? I know it’s shocking right? With the margarita being what every Mexican restaurant pushes you’d expect that to be their most popular drink. 

Once I tried a Paloma, Mexico’s actual most popular cocktail I understood why the margarita got pushed to the side. This Mexican favorite is a mix of tequila, grapefruit, and club soda that makes a perfect thirst-quenching drink you’ll want to sip on all summer long. 

Can I Make A Paloma Recipe Without Alcohol? 

Yes, you can! I love that this cocktail is more complex because it means you still have a super yummy drink even without the alcohol. 

The tequila in this Paloma recipe is just a minor player, so if you want to enjoy one without you won’t be missing out on what makes this drink so delicious!

There’s no need to add any substitutes or doctor the ratio of ingredients. To make this a mocktail just skip the instruction that says to include the tequila. Now you have a refreshing fun and fruity drink even the kids can enjoy!

Get The Party Started With A Perfect Paloma Cocktail

When you have a Paloma recipe as good as this one, it needs to be shared with the world. You can’t just keep this one to yourself, so why not throw a party as an excuse to show off your new bartender quality drink making skills. 

This cocktail is perfect for any gathering you might have whether it be the upcoming Cinco de Mayo, mothers day brunch, or a wedding shower, the Paloma is here to liven things up a bit! 

Make a few or a whole batch to serve the needs of any party size. A little tip for making a lot at once is to juice the grapefruits ahead of time, or just buy fresh grapefruit juice. It might cost you a little more, but will save you a ton of time if you need to serve a crowd! 

Cocktail Making Tips You’ll Love

Simple syrup – Make your own, or buy it: Simple syrup is exactly what it sounds like – an extremely simple syrup you can make at home or buy at almost any grocery store or liquor store. In the grocery store, it is sold near the alcohol with the other cocktail mixers. 

How to make simple syrup: Pour equal parts water and sugar into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool before using. 

Wet the rim of your glass: When coating a rim you don’t have to use something sticky to get your sugar or salt to stick. Just use the juice from the grapefruit to wet the rim a little. It will be just enough to perfectly coat the top. 

Don’t skimp on the tequila brand: I’m not saying you need to go buy a $100 bottle of tequila, but trust me you don’t want to ruin this Paloma recipe with bottom-shelf tequila that will make you gag. Get a mid-level silver tequila (no you shouldn’t swap silver for gold) of your choice for the best results.

Beat The Summer Heat With More Refreshing Cocktails

Fresh Grapefruit Moscow Mule – Just the right balance of spicy freshness that is the ginger beer and fresh grapefruit combo. Making a wonderfully refreshing cocktail. Perfect for sipping on the deck with friends, at a bridal shower or holiday gathering.

3 Ingredient Pina Colada – Throw out your pina colada mix because you only need three ingredients for this easy pina colada recipe.  Apologies in advance if this post results in “If you like Pina Coladas . . . ” being stuck in your head. I promise the recipe will be worth it.

Blackberry Dark and Stormy – Prepare yourself for the weekend with a refreshing Blackberry Dark and Stormy cocktail. Light and fruity, and just boozy enough to make the perfect summer drink.

White Tea and Muddled Basil Mojito – Fresh brewed white tea mixed with a splash of rum and honey, muddled with mint and basil, and topped off with sparkling water. A deliciously refreshing mojito with a fresh-from-the-garden taste. Perfect for both spring and summertime.

Lemon Drop Martini with Elderflower – A sophisticated twist on a classic cocktail. The signature light and zesty favorite combines vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and elderflower cordial. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tart with all the bright lemon flavor you love and easy to make!

Hummingbird Mimosa – A spin on the classic hummingbird cake: pineapple juice, orange juice, champagne, and a cinnamon sugar rim! This is the perfect drink for spring and I hope it brings all the feels to your brunch table.

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Every Hour Is Happy Hour With A Cocktail This Good

Any hour spent drinking a Paloma is a happy hour for me. Once you make just one of these you’ll know why its Mexico’s favorite. You’ll be saying bye-bye to your go-to margarita, and hello Perfect Paloma recipe!