I came across a delightful low calorie cocktails mix that brightens any sunny day with its bold flavors. Its tequila blanco blends seamlessly with fresh lime juice and tangy grapefruit soda, rimmed with a pinch of salt. I relish the crisp simplicity that sets this Paloma Cocktail apart, truly refreshing.

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I’ve always been obsessed with finding that perfect cocktail that not only tastes amazing but is super easy to put together on a hot day. My Paloma Cocktail is one of my absolute favorites, blending the zest of grapefruit with a light, low-calorie edge that quenches your thirst like nothing else.

I start with 2 oz tequila blanco and mix in 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice from about one lime. Then I top it up with 4 oz grapefruit soda, using Squirt or Jarritos if available, and add a pinch of salt on the rim of the glass to elevate the flavors.

I always include plenty of ice cubes and garnish it with a slice of grapefruit or lime for that extra kick. I’ve tried a bunch of variations on this Paloma drink, from spicy twists to different flavored spins, but this classic version always hits the spot.

Happy sipping and enjoy crafting your very own refreshing Paloma.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s super easy to make and perfect for a hot day. I can quickly whip it up whenever I want and it quenches my thirst like nothing else.

I love the mix of flavors in it too. The tangy lime, the sweet grapefruit soda, and a touch of salt really creates an awesome balance that makes my taste buds dance.

Another reason I enjoy this cocktail is because I can customize it to my liking. Sometimes I add a little extra tequila or squeeze in more lime juice if I feel like having a stronger kick.

And finally, there’s something fun about prepping it. Rimming the glass and garnishing it with a wedge makes it feel like i’m doing something special even if i’m just chillin at home.

Ingredients

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Tequila Blanco: A vibrant spirit that fuels the cocktail with a bold, spicy kick tonight.
Fresh Lime Juice: Provides sour brightness and vitamin C, adding a tangy twist for flavor.
Grapefruit Soda: Offers a sweet, bubbly base with carbs for a refreshin’ and light finish.
Salt: A pinch that intensifies flavors, ensuring each sip stays memorable and balanced.
Grapefruit/Lime Garnish: Boosts aroma and visual appeal, rounding out the drink’s vibrant personality.
Ice Cubes: Keeps the cocktail cool and crisp, making every sip feel extra refreshing.
Altogether: Each ingredient balances vibrant flavors, creating a cocktail that’s both refreshing and uniquely bold.

Ingredient Quantities

2 oz tequila blanco

1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)

4 oz grapefruit soda (like Squirt or Jarritos)

A pinch of salt (for rimming the glass)

Ice cubes

A grapefruit or lime wedge (for garnish)

How to Make this

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1. Rub the rim of your glass with a grapefruit or lime wedge and then dip it in salt

2. Fill the salted glass with plenty of ice cubes

3. Pour 2 oz of tequila blanco over the ice

4. Squeeze about 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice from roughly one lime into the glass

5. Slowly pour in 4 oz of grapefruit soda like Squirt or Jarritos

6. Give it a gentle stir so all the flavors can mix nicely

7. Taste it and adjust the lime or tequila if you wanna add a bit more zing

8. Garnish with a grapefruit or lime wedge and enjoy your Paloma Cocktail!

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail glass
2. Knife (to cut the grapefruit or lime wedge)
3. Citrus juicer (or reamer) to squeeze the lime
4. Measuring jigger for the tequila and lime juice
5. Ice cube tray (if you need to make ice)
6. Bar spoon for stirring the drink
7. Small plate or dish for the salt used on the rim

FAQ

Q: What exactly is a Paloma Cocktail?

A: Its a refreshing drink made with tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda. Its a perfect mix of sweet, sour, and a pinch of salt.

Q: Can I use a different type of tequila?

A: You can try using reposado tequila for a deeper flavour, but blanco is best if you want that clean, crisp taste.

Q: Do I really need to rim the glass with salt?

A: While its not totally necessary, rimming the glass with salt adds a nice extra kick that balances the citrus flavours.

Q: Is it okay to substitute grapefruit soda?

A: Sure, you can use any grapefruit soda you like, but brands like Squirt or Jarritos really hit the mark with the classic taste.

Q: Can I make this cocktail without ice?

A: You technically can, but serving it with ice keeps it super chilled and makes the drink much more refreshing.

Paloma Cocktail Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Tequila blanco: You could use mezcal instead if you’re looking for a smoky twist, or even reposado tequila if you prefer a richer flavor
Fresh squeezed lime juice: If you dont have fresh limes, try using lemon juice or a bottled lime juice as a substitute
Grapefruit soda: In a pinch, mix grapefruit juice with club soda and a touch of simple syrup for that fizzy effect
Salt (for rimming the glass): You can swap regular table salt with kosher or sea salt depending on what you have on hand
Garnish: If you dont have a grapefruit or lime wedge, you can always use an orange or even a sprig of mint to freshen things up

Pro Tips

1. Try chillin your tequila and grapefruit soda before mixin them together so all the flavors stay super fresh and bubbly
2. If you’re feelin bold, squeeze a little extra lime juice in – but dont overdo it or you might drown out the tequila
3. Stir the drink real gentle so the bubbles dont flat out too fast, this keeps the drink nice and fizzy
4. Experiment with different tequila brands, cause some make your Paloma taste way smoother than others, and you might find one you really like

Paloma Cocktail Recipe

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

192

kcal

Equipment: 1. Cocktail glass
2. Knife (to cut the grapefruit or lime wedge)
3. Citrus juicer (or reamer) to squeeze the lime
4. Measuring jigger for the tequila and lime juice
5. Ice cube tray (if you need to make ice)
6. Bar spoon for stirring the drink
7. Small plate or dish for the salt used on the rim

Ingredients

2 oz tequila blanco
1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
4 oz grapefruit soda (like Squirt or Jarritos)
A pinch of salt (for rimming the glass)
Ice cubes
A grapefruit or lime wedge (for garnish)

Directions

Rub the rim of your glass with a grapefruit or lime wedge and then dip it in salt
Fill the salted glass with plenty of ice cubes
Pour 2 oz of tequila blanco over the ice
Squeeze about 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice from roughly one lime into the glass
Slowly pour in 4 oz of grapefruit soda like Squirt or Jarritos
Give it a gentle stir so all the flavors can mix nicely
Taste it and adjust the lime or tequila if you wanna add a bit more zing
Garnish with a grapefruit or lime wedge and enjoy your Paloma Cocktail!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.