Fruity and fun a Paloma Cocktail Recipe is a festive drink! Celebrate with Mexico's most famous cocktail! Easy to make and refreshing it combines tequila and grapefruit soda, cheers!!!
Love this drinkl? For the next party be sure to serve The Last Word!
This recipe is meant for people over 21 years old. Please drink responsibly.
BEST Paloma Cocktail Recipe - refreshing drink and perfect for a hot day!
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Since the Paloma is the National Drink of Mexico, I think it's only fitting that we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Halloween or any party with this tasty cocktail!
Ingredients
- tequila - silver, gold or an aged tequila; a great blanco tequila or silver tequila are terrific choices, but choose the best quality that fits into your budget.
- grapefruit soda - Fresca, Squirt or Jarritos grapefruit soda, soda water.
- blood orange or ruby red grape fruit - freshly squeezed grapefruit juice or fresh lime juice.
- pomegranate arils - an optional pretty garnish! You can also garnish with grapefruit or lime slices.
Instructions
It's so easy, check out how simple it is to make this popular cocktail!
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add a shot of tequila and fresh grapefruit juice.
- Top it off with grapefruit soda - or if you'd prefer add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Finish it off with a squeeze of blood orange and spoonful of pomegranate arils. Garnish with an orange or grapefruit wedge.
- Optional - add a pinch of salt rim of the glass. Using a wedge of lime or grapefruit, run it around the rim of the glass and dip in kosher salt prior to assembling the cocktail.
How easy is that?
Equipment
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- The traditional glass for a Paloma is a highball glass, but you can really use any tall thin glass.
- A jiger also known as a shot glass measuring cup.
FAQ
Served on the rocks, a Paloma Recipe includes tequila, grapefruit soda, and fresh citrus. You can add more ingredients; I garnished my drink with a slice of blood orange and some pomegranate arils to make it extra festive!
If pomegranates aren't readily available, just omit them.
The margarita is the first drink people think of when it tequila cocktails come to mind - Strawberry Margarita or Mango Margarita - cheers!
More delicious choices?
Mariachi Mash Lemon Lime Cocktail - a blend of tequila, limoncello with a hint of mint.
Tequila Cocktail - spicy and sweet, a twist on the classic drink.
Tequila Sunrise - pretty as a warm sunrise on a hot summer's day.
Great question! Apparently, no one knows the answer! 🤷 As I write posts now, I try to share a little knowledge as I go, but not today.
The origins of this cocktail are unknown. But don't worry; take a sip and you'll realize a little mystery is a good thing!
Tequila Blanco Corralejo is an affordable option and a popular tequila for mixing. If you have a favorite tequila then by all means use it!
How do I drink tequila?
A good tequila should be savored like a great scotch. Tequila has its own distinct flavor!
If you're sipping tequila, this is definitely when you get what you pay for. Nosotros Gold Tequila is a great choice for sipping.
If you're mixing tequila, in a margarita or this Paloma Recipe, Legado is a great tequila for blending.
Do your research and then when you're ready to purchase, here's what I recommend; go to a good liquor store and speak with one of the experts.
We went to Total Wines and More and spoke to one of the experts. He explained the flavor profiles and helped us pick a tequila that worked for our budget.
I'd highly recommend if you are interested in learning more about tequila.
Tips
A Poloma is typically served in a high ball glass which is tall and skinny.
Eek, I can't find blood oranges!!!
Don't run from store-to-store in search of blood oranges if you can't find them. Check your grocery store for canned blood orange juice. Can't find that? Substitute pink grapefruit - that is readily available and will give a delicious tang to this tasty sip!
Don't be shy, ain't nobody gonna judge when you're digging the pomegranate seeds out of the bottom of the glass! After soaking up all that goodness they are tasty!!!
Variations
If you'd prefer to substitute the grapefruit soda, you can use club soda or sparkling water and grapefruit juice with a twist of lime and simple syrup.
Garnish with a lime wedge, orange or grapefruit.
Add a salted rim! Using a wedge of lime rim the glass and then dip in salt.
The soda in my recipe takes the place of all those ingredients. Hey if you can make it taste just as good with fewer ingredients and less work. Why not, right?!!
Serving suggestions
This recipe is great for a Halloween party or weekend fun! It's terrific with Mexican Foods like this recipe for Grilled Shrimp Tacos or Barbacoa Beef.
Make it a party by serving terrific appetizers like loaded Velveeta queso dip, grilled shrimp or this yummy refried bean dip!
Related Recipes
There are some more cocktail recipes on the blog! Enjoy a Lemon Drop Martini, Blue Ocean Cocktail or the classic - Whiskey Old Fashioned Sour - to name a few, cheers!
A close cousin is the mezcal Paloma which has a smoky flavor.
If you'd prefer to enjoy a nonalcoholic drink the you'll love this recipe for Homemade Strawberry Lemonade or this Mango Madness Mocktail - delicious!
Recipe Backstory
I originally created this recipe for the Day of the Dead - now just to be clear, this isn't Mexican Halloween, but a holiday in remembrance of those who have passed.
It lasts from October 31 - November 2. The celebration originated in Southern Mexico. It is a holiday to make peace with the inevitability of death and to remember loved ones.
The celebration has spread throughout much of the United States, resulting in parties and face painting, but I wonder how many folks really know the origination of the holiday?
Hmmm..... good question huh?
Anyway, when we were in New Mexico at the Santa Fe Farmers Market the ladies at the were busy braiding marigolds into beautiful long strands.
Native to Mexico, it is believed that the bright fragrant flowers help guide spirits to their altars. It's really quite fascinating. I wish I had taken more pictures!
I love the bright colors and festive spirit they bring to the celebration! I think it's fascinating and you can read more about it here.
I'd love to see your party pictures when you enjoy this delicious cocktail! Tag me at #bowlmeover or on Instagram with @bowl_me_over! I love to see your tasty creations!!
Paloma Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 part tequila
- 2 parts grapefruit soda
- ½ blood orange cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp pomegranate arils optional
- 1 part fresh grapefruit juice or freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Add several ice cubes to a tall cocktail glass.
- Add a shot of tequila and top with grapefruit soda.
- Finish by squeezing a couple wedges of blood orange into the cocktail and give it a stir.
- Top with additional slices of oranges and pomegranate arils. Sip and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Don't worry, we'll never share your email.First Published: Nov 25, 2018... Last Updated: Juen 16, 2021
