The Classic Paloma Cocktail is a sparkling blend of tequila, citrus, and grapefruit soda that’s tangy, slightly bitter, and beautifully crisp.
Unlike overly sweet mixed drinks, this one strikes the perfect balance of bold tequila, bright lime and grapefruit juice, and a fizzy soda finish—all topped with a salty rim and a slice of fresh grapefruit.
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a backyard brunch, this simple Mexican-inspired cocktail always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Vibrant citrus flavor that’s not too sweet.
Perfectly balanced thanks to a splash of bitters.
Garnish-ready for a beautiful glass that’s party-perfect.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Tequila blanco – Clean and crisp; it forms the base of this cocktail.
Choose a smooth, high-quality brand for the best sip.
Fresh grapefruit juice – Adds bright, tangy acidity and classic Paloma flavor.
Fresh lime juice – Enhances the tartness and rounds out the citrus profile.
Angostura bitters – A few dashes add complexity and depth.
Grapefruit soda – Go for Squirt, Jarritos, or Fever-Tree for bubbles and sweetness.
Kosher salt or Tajín – For that iconic salty rim. Tajín adds a little chili-lime flair.
Grapefruit wedge – Doubles as garnish and a juicy rim prep.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use freshly squeezed juices for the best flavor—bottled won’t be the same.
Chill your glassware before serving to keep the drink extra refreshing.
Don’t skip the bitters—they elevate the cocktail to something special.
Tajín vs. Salt? Tajín gives a spicy-tangy edge that pairs wonderfully with grapefruit.
How to Make Classic Paloma Cocktail
Step 1: Rim the Glass
Rub the rim of a highball or rocks glass with a grapefruit wedge, then dip it into salt or Tajin.
Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
Step 2: Shake the Base
In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, lime juice, and bitters.
Add ice and shake vigorously until the shaker feels very cold.
Step 3: Build the Cocktail
Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass.
Top off with grapefruit soda for a fizzy finish.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a wedge or peel of grapefruit.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
Spicy shrimp tacos
Street corn (Elotes)
Guacamole and tortilla chips
Grilled chicken fajitas
Variations & Substitutions
No grapefruit soda? Use club soda and a splash of agave or simple syrup.
Make it spicy with jalapeño slices muddled into the shaker.
Swap the tequila for mezcal to add a smoky twist.
Try flavored salt rims like hibiscus, chili lime, or smoked sea salt.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Juice the citrus ahead of time and refrigerate in airtight jars (up to 1 day).
Don’t mix in the soda until serving to keep it bubbly and fresh.
Salt rim glasses in advance and chill them in the fridge for a frosty finish.
FAQs
Can I use bottled grapefruit juice?
Fresh juice tastes better, but bottled is fine in a pinch—just go for 100% juice.
What’s the best tequila for a Paloma?
Tequila blanco (silver) is best for its clean, bright flavor. Try Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, or Fortaleza.
Is this drink sweet or tart?
It’s more tart and citrusy than sweet, but you can add more soda or a splash of syrup to adjust.
Can I make a pitcher version?
Yes! Scale the ingredients up and stir everything except the soda in a large pitcher.
Add soda right before serving.
What’s the difference between a Paloma and a Margarita?
A Margarita uses orange liqueur and is shaken without soda, while a Paloma is lighter and topped with grapefruit soda.
Do I have to use bitters?
They’re optional but highly recommended for a more balanced flavor.
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Replace the tequila with sparkling water or non-alcoholic tequila alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Paloma Cocktail is everything I love in a drink—bright, bubbly, refreshing, and just a little unexpected.
It’s the kind of cocktail that feels special but takes barely any effort.
One sip and you’ll be hooked on its zesty charm.
