This Easy Paloma Cocktail is the perfect drink for summer! With fresh grapefruit juice, zesty lime, and a splash of fizzy soda, it’s refreshing and delicious.
I love to enjoy mine by the pool, feeling like a million bucks! Just mix, pour, and sip—simple as that! Cheers to sunny days! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tequila Blanco: This is the base of your Paloma. A good-quality tequila adds great flavor. If you prefer a different spirit, try vodka for a lighter twist or mezcal for a smoky flavor.
Fresh Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for flavor! If you can’t find grapefruits, try substituting with orange juice for a sweeter taste or use ready-made grapefruit juice, but be mindful of added sugars.
Fresh Lime Juice: Lime juice brightens up the mix. Bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is recommended for the best flavor. You can also use lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand.
Simple Syrup: You can easily make your own by mixing equal parts sugar and water. For a lower-calorie option, try using agave nectar or a sugar substitute.
Club Soda: This adds fizz to your drink. You can swap it for tonic water, but remember that tonic has added sweetness and flavor.
How Do You Prepare the Perfect Glass for Your Paloma?
Rimming the glass with salt adds a nice touch. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a lime wedge and run it around the rim of your glass.
- Use coarse salt for a nice texture and dip the rim in a plate filled with salt. Make sure to press slightly so it adheres well.
- This not only enhances the flavor but looks great too!
Chilling the glass with ice also helps keep your cocktail refreshingly cool on hot days!
Easy Paloma Cocktail Recipe for Summer
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt (plus extra for glass rim)
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top
- Ice cubes
- Lime slices, for garnish
- Grapefruit wedge, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Paloma cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. All you have to do is mix the ingredients, chill, and enjoy—it’s that simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by rimming your glass. Rub a lime wedge around the rim, then dip the rim into a small plate of salt, coating it lightly. This adds a great flavor and looks fancy too!
2. Chill the Glass:
Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes to keep your drink nice and cold while you mix your ingredients.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a shaker or mixing glass, combine the tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to blend everything together.
4. Pour and Top:
Remove the ice from the glass if desired (or leave it in for extra chill), and pour the mixture over the ice. Top it off with club soda or sparkling water to give it a refreshing fizz.
5. Stir and Garnish:
Give your drink a gentle stir to combine everything. Then garnish with a few thin lime slices inside the glass and a grapefruit wedge on the rim for a lovely presentation.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Paloma cocktail immediately, and enjoy the crisp, citrusy, and lightly sweet flavors that make it perfect for summer sipping!
This cocktail is light, refreshing, and ideal for warm weather and fun gatherings. Cheers!
FAQ for Easy Paloma Cocktail
Can I Use Different Types of Tequila?
Absolutely! While tequila blanco is traditional for a Paloma, you can use reposado or añejo tequila for a richer, more complex flavor. Just keep in mind that each type will slightly alter the taste of the cocktail.
Is There a Non-Alcoholic Version of This Drink?
Yes! You can create a delicious non-alcoholic version by replacing the tequila with additional sparkling water and upping the grapefruit and lime juice for flavor. Add a bit of extra simple syrup if you like it sweeter!
How Do I Store Leftover Cocktail Mix?
If you have leftover mixture (without the soda), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just mix with fresh ice and top with club soda or sparkling water.
Can I Make This Cocktail in Larger Batches?
Yes! To make a larger batch, simply increase the quantities of each ingredient proportionally. Mix everything together in a pitcher, but add the soda right before serving to maintain the fizz.
