5 from 6 votes
Paloma Cocktail
Mexico’s national aperitif, the Paloma cocktail, is a simple tequila drink with a thirst-quenching, irresistible appeal. Move over Margarita, here comes something better!
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings:
1
serving
Calories:
181 kcal
Course:
Drinks
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila (1/4 cup, see note 1)
- 1/2 ounce lime juice (1 tablespoon)
- 4 ounces grapefruit soda (1/2 cup, see note 2)
- pinch salt see note 3, coarse
- grapefruit for garnish (see note 4, wedge
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Add tequila and lime juice, then top with soda and garnish with a pinch of salt and a grapefruit wedge if desired.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Tequila: Tequila blanco is lighter in body and perfect for making cocktails like this one. Tequila reposado (which means "rested" and is aged in oak for at least 2 months) is ideal for sipping.
- Grapefruit soda: Mexicans usually use Squirt or Fresca (Their Fresca is different! It's not sugar-free!). If you want something made without corn syrup, look for Jarritos or Izze brand grapefruit sodas.
- Salt: This is usually added as a pinch on top of the drink, but you can salt the rim like a Margarita if you prefer.
- Garnish: A lime wedge is the traditional garnish. A slice of ruby red grapefruit looks pretty, too!
- Yield: This recipe makes 1 cocktail.
- All juice: Skip the fizz and do 4 ounces of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice instead of soda.
- Mezcal Paloma: All tequilas are a kind of mezcal, but not all mezcals are tequilas. Substitute Mezcal for the tequila if you are looking for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Cantarito: Add 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) orange juice with the lime juice.
- Greyhound: Substitute gin or vodka for the tequila and substitute fresh grapefruit juice for the grapefruit soda.
- Big batch: To make a batch of 12 cocktails, in a large pitcher filled with ice, add 24 ounces (3 cups) tequila and 6 ounces (3/4 cup) lime juice. Carefully stir in 48 ounces (6 cups) grapefruit soda. Have ice, glassware, salt, and grapefruit wedges on hand so guests can help themselves.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1cocktail
Calories
181kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
13g
(4%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Sodium
12mg
(1%)
Potassium
19mg
(0%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
12g
(24%)
Vitamin A
7IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
4mg
(4%)
Calcium
4mg
(0%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 181
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cocktail | |
| Calories | 181kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Sodium | 12mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 19mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 7IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 4mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.