Refreshing Paloma Recipe: The Ultimate Guide

The Paloma is a refreshing and vibrant tequila-based cocktail that has become a favorite in both Mexico and beyond. Light, citrusy, and sparkling, it’s the perfect drink for warm weather or festive gatherings. With a balance of tangy grapefruit, zesty lime, a touch of sweetness, and the earthy warmth of tequila, the Paloma recipe is not only delicious but incredibly easy to prepare at home.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every aspect of crafting the perfect Paloma—from ingredients and tools to step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting to explore cocktail recipes, this drink is sure to impress.

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🕒 Quick Glance: Paloma Cocktail Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Active Time: 5 minutes

• Resting Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 5 minutes

• Cuisine: Mexican

• Course: Beverage / Cocktail

• Servings: 1

• Calories per Serving: ~170 calories

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🛠️ Equipment You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have these basic tools and supplies:

• Cocktail shaker (optional but useful)

• Jigger or shot glass

• Citrus juicer (handheld or electric)

• Highball or Collins glass

• Bar spoon (or a long-handled spoon)

• Ice cubes

• Small plate (for salting rim, optional)

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🧾 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a single serving of a traditional Paloma:

• 2 oz (60 ml) tequila (preferably blanco or silver tequila)

• 2 oz (60 ml) fresh grapefruit juice (or more, depending on taste)

• 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice

• 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (or agave nectar, adjust for sweetness)

• 2–3 oz (60–90 ml) club soda (or sparkling water)

• Ice (enough to fill the glass)

• Salt (optional) for rimming the glass

• Grapefruit wedge or lime wheel for garnish

Optional Variations:

• Flavored salt (like Tajín) for a spicy twist on the rim

• Mezcal instead of tequila for a smokier flavor

• Pink grapefruit juice for a sweeter, milder citrus flavor

• Honey syrup for a more natural sweetness alternative

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📋 Instructions: How to Make the Perfect Paloma

1. Prepare the Glass

If you like a salted rim, start here:

• Rub the rim of your glass with a lime wedge.

• Dip the rim into a plate of coarse salt or Tajín to coat it evenly.

2. Juice Your Fruits

Freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juices make all the difference. Use a juicer or press for best results.

3. Mix the Drink

In your glass or a cocktail shaker:

• Add 2 oz tequila.

• Pour in the freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juices.

• Add simple syrup or agave nectar and stir (or shake with ice if using a shaker).

4. Add Ice

Fill your highball glass with ice cubes—almost to the top.

5. Top with Bubbles

Pour 2–3 oz of club soda (or enough to top off the glass). Give it a gentle stir to combine without losing the fizz.

6. Garnish and Serve

Add a grapefruit wedge or a lime wheel for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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🍹 Tips for the Best Paloma

• Tequila Choice: Use a good-quality blanco tequila for a crisp and clean flavor.

• Fresh Juice: Avoid bottled juices. Freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime make a huge difference.

• Customize Sweetness: Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your taste preference.

• Bubbly Options: Experiment with grapefruit-flavored sparkling water or a splash of citrus soda (like Squirt) for added zest.

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🧪 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and quantities.

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🔄 Paloma Variations Worth Trying

• Spicy Paloma: Muddle a few slices of fresh jalapeño into the cocktail shaker before adding the other ingredients.

• Frozen Paloma: Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy version. Perfect for hot summer days!

• Herbal Paloma: Add a few sprigs of rosemary or basil to the shaker to infuse a herbal aroma.

• Paloma Mimosa: Substitute club soda with sparkling wine for a brunch twist.

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🌍 Cultural Notes: The Paloma in Mexican Mixology

Unlike the more famous Margarita, the Paloma is actually the most popular tequila cocktail in Mexico. Its origins are somewhat mysterious—some say it was named after a popular folk song “La Paloma” (The Dove), while others attribute it to legendary bartender Don Javier Delgado Corona. Either way, it has carved out a firm place in cocktail culture thanks to its easy preparation and incredibly refreshing flavor.

The Paloma is traditionally served tall and over ice, and it’s a staple at Mexican celebrations ranging from casual get-togethers to national holidays. It’s also common to find Paloma bars or tequila tasting stations offering custom versions with fresh fruit, herbs, and chili salt rims.

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🧼 Cleanup and Storage

There’s minimal mess involved in making a Paloma. Rinse your cocktail shaker and glass right after use. If you’re prepping for a party, you can pre-mix the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sweetener in a pitcher and refrigerate it. Just add ice and soda when serving to keep the fizz alive.

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🧑‍🍳 Hosting with the Paloma

Hosting a gathering? The Paloma is one of the best cocktails for batching. Here’s a quick pitcher version for 6 servings:

Large-Batch Paloma Recipe:

• 12 oz (1.5 cups) tequila

• 12 oz fresh grapefruit juice

• 3 oz fresh lime juice

• 3 oz simple syrup or agave nectar

• 12 oz club soda (added when serving)

• Ice and garnish for serving

Mix everything except the soda and refrigerate. Add soda just before pouring over ice for each guest.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re lounging poolside or looking to impress guests at your next BBQ, the Paloma recipe offers an ideal balance of refreshment and complexity. With a simple list of ingredients and room for customization, it’s no surprise this drink has remained a classic for decades.

Next time you’re in the mood for something citrusy, bright, and bold, skip the Margarita and give the Paloma a try—you might just find your new favorite cocktail.