If you're in the mood for a refreshing Mexican cocktail with a unique twist, you're in the right place. This Mexican Paloma Cocktail is a delicious blend of tequila and lime juice infused with grapefruit flavors and a splash of Grapefruit Jarritos soda. One of the best tequila cocktails you'll ever try!
This Paloma is a twist on the classic recipe with the addition of Angostura bitters. My friend Isabel, who is my go-to taste-tester, especially for cocktails (because she is my "concañera", a Venezuelan word that refers to buddy), she loves cocktails with Angostura Bitters, so she obviously loved this Paloma recipe; in fact, she helped me create it! So, in honor of my concañera, I am dedicating this recipe to Isabel! 😍
I also love the balance the Angostura bitter brings to the tart grapefruit and the lime juices and the sweetness of the Jarritos Grapefruit soda.
Paloma has become a new favorite drink for me, and I hope it becomes yours too! Before trying this cocktail, I'd never had tequila and grapefruit juice together, but I was immediately hooked!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Refreshing Tequila Drink with Grapefruit Juice
- What Kind of Tequila To Use For Palomas
- Equipment needed
- Paloma Cocktail Ingredients
- Instructions
- Have a Party?
- Here are a few variation ideas for this cocktail recipe
- Latin appetizers to pair with your Paloma Cocktail
- Other Latin Recipes you may like
- 📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️
Why You'll Love This Refreshing Tequila Drink with Grapefruit Juice
I love a refreshing cocktail with the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. This Mexican Paloma (Spanish word for DOVE) is a refreshing and delicious tequila cocktail perfect for any occasion.
Paloma is a popular drink in Mexico, enjoyed casually with friends and family. I have taken the casual version of the traditional Paloma cocktail (typically just a combination of tequila and grapefruit soda) and added more ingredients, such as grapefruit and lime juices, plus a dash or two of bitters for an enhanced flavor experience.
Here are a few reasons why you'll love this refreshing drink:
- It is easy to make.
- It is made with simple, fresh ingredients.
- It is refreshing and the perfect cocktail for hot days. Happy hour in a glass!
- It is versatile and can be customized to your taste.
Other refreshing drink recipes you might enjoy:
- Blackberry Sangria
- Watermelon and Strawberry Rosé Sangria
- Classic Peruvian Pisco Sour
- Brazilian Passion Fruit Caipirinha
What Kind of Tequila To Use For Palomas
Good tequila is key! It is essential to use high-quality tequila for this cocktail, as the flavor of the tequila will come through in the drink.
For this easy Paloma recipe, the best type of tequila is a Blanco Tequila (white tequila) or Silver Tequila. Blanco tequila is a great choice due to its unaged crisp flavor. They offer a smooth tequila base that complements the citrus fruit.
If you don't have tequila blanco or prefer something with a little more depth, try tequila reposado, an aged tequila with a mellower flavor than blanco tequila and a hint of oakiness.
Equipment needed
- Cocktail shaker (as a substitute, use a mason jar with a cover)
- Cocktail glasses (tall glass, highball glass)
- Citrus juicer
- Jigger Saucepan (for making the simple sugar syrup). Recipe below.
Paloma Cocktail Ingredients
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities
- Tequila (preferably blanco or silver tequila)
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice (store-bought grapefruit juice works, but fresh pink grapefruit juice is best!). If you buy it, make sure it is 100% grapefruit juice.
- Fresh Lime Juice – for the best fresh flavor, use the fruit, not bottled juice. Fresh lemon juice can be a substitute if lime is not available.
- Simple Syrup (or agave Syrup if you like).
- Angostura Bitters (optional)
- Grapefruit Jarritos soda or Squirt (grapefruit soda is key for flavor!)
- Kosher Salt or any Coarse Sea Salt for salting the glass rim.
- Ice cubes.
For more tips on making simple syrup, visit my full post
How to make Sugar-Free Monkfruit Simple Syrup
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glass
If you want to rim your glass with salt, rub a grapefruit wedge (or lime wedge) around the rim of the glass and dip it into a small plate with salt. For extra flavor and color, I like to salt the rim with a mix of salt and grapefruit zest. The salted rim gives an excellent salty punch, contrasting the Paloma's sweet and tart flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Paloma Ingredients
Add ice to the cocktail shaker. Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and, if you're feeling adventurous, a couple dashes of bitters. Shake vigorously until the mixture is chilled.
Step 3: Serve, top with Jarritos Grapefruit soda, and garnish.
- Strain the Paloma mixture into a prepared glass filled with fresh ice. Top off with Jarritos Grapefruit or Squirt soda for a little fizz and extra grapefruit flavor. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge to make your cocktail pop!
TIP:
Make your own SIMPLE SYRUP by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and bringing to a boil. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then remove from the heat and cool.
Have a Party?
Make-Ahead Instructions for a Pitcher of Palomas!
(12 servings)
If you are having a party, you can easily make a pitcher of grapefruit Palomas and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
- 4 1/2 cups of Tequila
- 3 cups of Grapefruit Juice
- 3/4 cup (6 ounces) of fresh-squeezed Lime Juice
- 3/4 cup (6 ounces) of Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups of Grapefruit Jarritos or Squirt Soda
- Add 1-2 dashes of Angostura bitters per individual glass serving as desired.
Pitcher instructions
- In a large pitcher, stir the ingredients well (except the Soda and Angostura bitters) and chill in the refrigerator (do not add ice, or it will dilute it!).
- When ready to serve, rim the glasses with salt, fill with ice up to 3/4 full, and fill with the Paloma mix.
- Top off with the soda and 1-2 dashes of Angostura bitters per glass (if using).
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge to make your cocktail pop!!
There you have it – an easy recipe for another popular drink from Mexico. With its simplicity, this easy drink is a great way to quench your thirst and explore another traditional Mexican cocktail. ¡Salud!
Here are a few variation ideas for this cocktail recipe
- Skinny Paloma: For a lighter vesion with less calories, substitute simple syrup made with sugar with this Sugar-Free Monk Fruit Simple Syrup.
- Classic Paloma: This is the simplest form. Two parts of tequila, four parts of grapefruit-flavored soda, a splash of lime, and a pinch of salt for a simple cocktail.
- Sweeter Cocktail: Add more simple syrup or even agave nectar.
- Spicy Paloma: Toss a few jalapeño slices into the cocktail shaker before shaking.
- The spicy flavors will make it pop!
- Grapefruit Margarita: Add 1 ounce of triple sec or orange liqueur.
- Paloma Mexican Mule: Replace grapefruit soda with ginger beer and serve it in a copper mug!
- Aperol Paloma: Simply add 0.5 oz of Aperol.
- Tequila Sunrise Paloma: Add a splash of fresh orange juice and a dash of grenadine.
- Ranch Water: Use soda water instead of grapefruit soda for a different bubble. Mexican Topo Chico is even better for its unique flavor and fizz).
- Club Soda Twist: If you're not a fan of grapefruit soda, club soda provides a milder option.
Looking for another Mexican mixed drink with tequila?
Try my Passion Fruit Margarita – another delicious cocktail made with tequila, passion fruit, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
Or try this Classic Peruvian Cocktail Pisco Sour (Peru's National Cocktail), Brazil's iconic drink, Caipirinha with a touch of exotic Passion Fruit. For a non-alcoholic refreshment try this Mexican Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea).
Latin appetizers to pair with your Paloma Cocktail
Other Latin Recipes you may like
📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️
Mexican Paloma: The Best Grapefruit and Tequila Cocktail
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: n/a
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
If you're in the mood for a refreshing Mexican cocktail with a unique twist, you're in the right place.
This Mexican Paloma Drink is a delicious blend of tequila and lime juice infused with grapefruit flavors and a splash of Grapefruit Jarritos soda. One of the best tequila cocktails you'll ever try!
Equipment needed:
- Cocktail shaker (as a substitute, use a mason jar with a cover)
- Cocktail glasses (tall glass, highball glass)
- Citrus juicer
- Jigger
- Saucepan (for making the simple sugar syrup): Recipe below.
Ingredients
- 3 oz of Tequila (preferably blanco or silver tequila)
- 2 oz of Fresh Grapefruit Juice (store-bought grapefruit juice works, but fresh pink grapefruit juice is best!). If you buy it, make sure it is 100% grapefruit juice.
- 1/2 oz of Fresh Lime Juice - for the best fresh flavor, use the fruit, not bottled juice. Fresh lemon juice can be a substitute if lime is not available.
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (or agave Syrup if you like)
- 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters (optional)
- 1 oz Grapefruit Jarritos soda or Squirt (grapefruit soda is key for flavor!)
- Kosher Salt or any Coarse Sea Salt for salting the glass rim.
- Ice cubes.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glass
If you want to rim your glass with salt, rub a grapefruit wedge (or lime wedge) around the rim of the glass and dip it into a small plate with salt. For extra flavor and color, I like to salt the rim with a mix of salt and grapefruit zest. The salted rim gives an excellent salty punch, contrasting the Paloma's sweet and tart flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Paloma Ingredients
Add ice to the cocktail shaker. Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and, if you're feeling adventurous, a couple dashes of bitters. Shake vigorously until the mixture is chilled.
Step 3: Serve, top with Jarritos, and garnish
Strain the Paloma mixture into a prepared glass filled with fresh ice. Top off with Grapefruit Jarritos or Squirt soda for a little fizz and extra grapefruit flavor.
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge to make your cocktail pop!
TIP: Make your own SIMPLE SYRUP by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and bringing to a boil. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then remove from the heat and cool.
Notes
Make-Ahead Instructions for a Pitcher of Palomas! (12 servings)
If you are having a party, you can easily make a pitcher of grapefruit Palomas and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
- 4 1/2 cups of Tequila
- 3 cups of Grapefruit Juice
- 3/4 cup (6 ounces) of fresh-squeezed Lime Juice
- 3/4 cup (6 ounces) of Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups of Grapefruit Jarritos or Squirt Soda
- Add 1-2 dashes of Angostura bitters per individual glass serving as desired.
Pitcher Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, stir the ingredients well (except the Soda and Angostura bitters) and chill in the refrigerator (do not add ice, or it will dilute it!).
- When ready to serve, rim the glasses with salt, fill them with ice up to 3/4 full, and fill them with the Paloma mix.
- Top off with the soda and 1-2 dashes of Angostura bitters per glass (if using).
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge to make your cocktail pop!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 16.3 g
- Sodium: 8.7 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 17.4 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
Nora says
It is such a delicious drink! I love using Angostura bitters in cocktails! Thanks!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
I'm so glad you loved the Mexican Paloma! Angostura bitters are a game-changer, aren't they? Cheers!
Bernice says
We drank so many palomas in Mexico and none were this stunning! lol Actually we used Squirt (grapefruit soda) instead of grapefruit juice out of convenience. I do prefer your version when I'm at home or hosting a party.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Bernice,
That's awesome! I'm glad you found your perfect Paloma. Squirt is a good substitute in a pinch. 😉
Nothing beats a refreshing cocktail on vacation. And I'm so happy you found your go-to Paloma recipe. ❤️ 😊 Thanks for sharing your experience. Enjoy!
Nora says
The perfect summer cocktail! Very refreshing!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Couldn't agree more! 😉😎
Jacqueline Debono says
I love grapefruit and grapefruit juice so had to try this Mexican paloma! So so good! Thank you!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Jacqui: I'm so happy you found a new favorite. Cheers! Thank YOU!
Leslie says
Oh my..this cocktail recipe is perfection! What a delicious summer drink!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Thanks! So happy you loved it. ❤️😊
Liz says
So refreshing and delicious!!! I'm going to make them again for company and garnish them with flowers, too.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
That's awesome! These are perfect for entertaining. Flowers are a great way to add a touch of elegance. Enjoy! ❤️😊
Elizabeth says
Palomas are my FAVORITE! This recipe is delicious and so easy to make. Adding it to my hosting menu this summer!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Elizabeth,
Perfect! Palomas are ideal for summer entertaining; and yours will be the party's hit.
I wrote "Make-Ahead Instructions for a Pitcher of Palomas! (12 servings)" under the section titled "Have a Party?"
I hope this is helpful. 🙂
Tina says
This Mexican Paloma recipe was so easy to make and very delicious! Can't wait to make it again.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Tina,
That's fantastic! The Paloma is always a crowd-pleaser, and I am so happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
Katie says
This mexican paloma was too good! Going to make it again soon.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Katie,
Salud! (Cheers!) on loving the Paloma - so refreshing, right? This cocktail is perfect for summer!
Tiffany says
This is like a summer Saturday by the pool in a glass! Love it!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Tiffany!
I love your description! Right on. I'm going to borrow it. 🙂
Thanks for the review!
Nicole says
New favorite cocktail for the summer! I love all the flavors, it’s so refreshing!
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Nicole,
Indeed! A favorite drink for hot summer days! 🙂
Gloria says
What a pretty looking cocktail. Just what I need for brunch on Mother's Day. We love Mexican themed food. This will be a hit for sure.
Juyali (ju-ja-lee) says
Hi Gloria,
Thanks for the comment! Great idea. Easy, tasty, and fancy-looking recipes are perfect to treat mom. 🙂