This iconic Mexican drink balances sweet, sour, and salty notes and packs a boozy kick, and comes together in just a minute or two.
The Paloma is a tequila-based cocktail. This drink is most commonly prepared by mixing tequila, lime juice, and a grapefruit-flavored soda such as Fresca, Squirt, or Jarritos.
A different variation of this drink is made of tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and club soda. It is typically served over plenty of ice in a glass with a salted rim. Both variations are delicious and refreshing!!
Paloma is Spanish for "dove" The history of the drink is obscure — no one knows for sure who invented the Paloma. Some credit the legendary Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of the beloved La Capilla bar in the aptly-named town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico.
The Busy Abuelita - Queso Fundido
Why You'll Love The Paloma Cocktail
- Easy to Make, just a few ingredients to a refreshing delicious cocktail
- Make a pitcher of this enticing drink at your next fiesta, backyard BBQ, or pool party!
- Lower in calories when using grapefruit juice or Fresca (zero calories) as a mixer
Differences Between a Paloma & Margarita
A Paloma is made with tequila, grapefruit juice, club soda, and lime.
The Margarita is made with tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau or Triple Sec.
If you're watching calories, Paloma is lower in calories at 166 calories, versus a Margarita on the rocks is a little over 200 calories, and a blended margarita is around 300 calories.
For This Recipe You Will Need These Ingredients:
- Tequila - Blanco tequila,or Reposado
- Grapefruit soda - Squirt, Fresca, or Jarritos are all classic choices
- Fruit - Fresh lime juice, and pink or regular grapefruit juice
- Salt or Tajin - for glass rim
Making a Paloma Cocktail
Paloma #1 with grapefruit soda
- Rim glass with salt or Tajin (optional)
- Fill a highball or rocks glass two-thirds full with ice.
- Slowly pour in grapefruit soda, filling the glass about one-third full.
- Add blanco tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and a pinch of kosher salt.
- Stir gently and garnish with a grapefruit wedge or slice.
Paloma #2 with grapefruit juice
- Rim glass with salt or Tajin (optional)
- Fill a highball or rocks glass two-thirds full with ice.
- Add blanco tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and sugar
- Then add club soda, stir gently and garnish with a grapefruit wedge or slice.
Don’t forget to pin and save this easy recipe for later!
Variations of The Classic Paloma Cocktail
- Frozen Paloma - Paloma #2 can be placed in the blender for a delicious slushy drink.
- Paloma cocktail with Tajin-rimmed glass
Love Mexican Cocktails
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Paloma Cocktail
