This Mexican Grapefruit Paloma cocktail is so refreshing and flavorful! Relax with a glass of tequila, grapefruit juice, tangy lime, and sweet agave syrup.
Want to save this recipe?
We'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Refreshing Grapefruit Paloma
If you’re getting ready to kick back and relax this weekend, do so with a tangy Grapefruit Paloma in hand! This easy Mexican drink takes just 5 minutes to put together, and you’ll be so happy that you gave it a try.
I don’t know about you, but I like my cocktails to be refreshing and ultra-flavorful – and that’s exactly what this Paloma is. Tequila is mixed with fresh grapefruit juice, zesty lime juice, sweet agave syrup, some club soda, and a couple of garnishes. Simple, but a dream-like combination nonetheless!
Palomas are casual enough that you can make one for yourself on any regular old day, but they’re also fancy enough to serve to guests on a special occasion, if you like. I’ve served them at backyard barbecues, cocktail nights, over the holidays, etc.
What is a Paloma?
A Paloma is a tequila-based, Mexican cocktail made with grapefruit juice, lime juice, and more. (It’s a little bit like a margarita, for reference.) It can be sweet or spicy (or both) and – though it is often served as a reprieve from the heat in the summer – it tastes amazing year-round!
Why I Love This Cocktail
More space to rave over this fabulous grapefruit cocktail? Don’t mind if I do!
I told you about how I love this drink for its refreshing qualities, but I also love it for its diverse flavor! You can make this Paloma as sweet as you like by adding more/less agave syrup. It can also be made spicy with the addition of chili powder on the rim, and chopped jalapeño slices as garnish.
Recipe Ingredients
Okay! I think I’ve probably rattled off every ingredient to this grapefruit Paloma already, but here’s a comprehensive list anyway:
- Tequila: Most recipes call for tequila blanco, but you can use whatever tequila you prefer.
- Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice tastes the best.
- Lime Juice: The freshly squeezed bit also applies here.
- Agave Syrup: To add some sweetness into the mix.
- Club Soda: For carbonation.
- Coarse Salt: Or my favorite, tajin, for the rim.
- Garnishes: Grapefruit wedges and lime slices both work!
How to Make a Grapefruit Paloma
Time to learn how to actually make this beauty. It takes just 5 minutes to put together (maybe a little longer than that if you have to squeeze the grapefruit) and then you’re done!
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Prepare the Glass: Moisten the rim of the glass with a grapefruit slice and coat with salt and/or Tajin. Fill your glass with ice.
Shake the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the ice, tequila, agave syrup, lime juice, and grapefruit juice. Cover and shake for approximately 30 seconds.
Add Club Soda: Strain into your glass and stir in the club soda. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or lime slice. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
What could be simpler? Three steps and that’s that.
I do, however, still have some tips to share with you about how to make the best grapefruit Paloma:
- Add More Syrup: As I mentioned briefly above, you can add more agave syrup to your drink if you prefer it sweeter.
- Can I Use Something Other Than Tequila? Sure, you could try mixing vodka into this drink as a substitute if needed.
- Can I Use Grapefruit Soda Instead of Juice? Yes, you can. I like to use grapefruit juice for its fresh taste, but soda definitely works too.
Serving Suggestions
Palomas are traditionally served over ice, so make sure to fill up your glass with ice cubes for the best result. If you don’t want to salt the rim of your glass, though, you definitely don’t have to.
As far as what to enjoy with your cocktail, feel free to drink it as-is, beside a bowl of chips and guacamole, or alongside dinner – whatever you like best!
More Easy Cocktail Ideas
Ready to try some more cocktails? Check out these other reader favorites:
- Blackberry Smash Cocktail
- The Best Mojito Recipe
- Loaded Bloody Mary
- Peach Moscow Mule
- Aperol Spritz
- Carajillo (Mexican Coffee Cocktail)
- Frozen Mango Margarita
- Peach Bellini
- The Best Coquito
Fresh Grapefruit Paloma
Ingredients
- 2 oz of tequila
- 2 oz of fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz of fresh lime juice
- ½ Tablespoon of agave syrup
- 1 ½ oz of club soda
- coarse salt or tajin, for rim
- grapefruit wedges and lime slices, for garnish
Want to save this recipe?
We’ll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Instructions
- Moisten the rim of the glass with a grapefruit slice and coat with salt and/or Tajin.
- Fill your glass with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the ice, tequila, agave syrup, lime juice, and grapefruit juice. Cover and shake for approximately 30 seconds.
- Strain into your glass and stir in the club soda.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or lime slice. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add More Syrup: As I mentioned briefly above, you can add more agave syrup to your drink if you prefer it sweeter.
- Can I Use Something Other Than Tequila? Sure, you could try mixing vodka into this drink as a substitute if needed.
- Can I Use Grapefruit Soda Instead of Juice? Yes, you can. I like to use grapefruit juice for its fresh taste, but soda definitely works too.
Nutrition
Post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Light and Refreshing…
It looks perfect! Glad you enjoyed it Karen!