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5.0 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
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 coarse salt (see note 3)
  • grapefruit wedge for garnish (see note 4)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.

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 (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 7IU (0%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 4mg (0%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving

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.