Paloma
A refreshing Mexican highball combining blanco tequila, lime and pink grapefruit soda. Bright, citrusy and lightly bittersweet, with a crisp sparkling finish.
Paloma Recipe
- Tequila 50 ml
- Pink grapefruit soda 100 ml
- Lime juice 5 ml
- Fine sea salt 1 pinch
- Fresh lime 1 slice, optional
- Pink grapefruit 1 wedge, optional
- Ice 200 g
Make it properly
- Add tequila, lime juice and a pinch of salt to a highball glass.
- Fill the glass generously with ice.
- Top with pink grapefruit soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime slice and pink grapefruit wedge.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT PALOMA?
The Paloma is all about refreshment and balance. Blanco tequila provides the agave character, lime adds fresh acidity and grapefruit soda brings citrus, gentle bitterness, sweetness and sparkling lift. A small pinch of salt helps bring the flavours together without making the drink noticeably salty.
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PALOMA: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Paloma, from choosing the right tequila and grapefruit soda to achieving the perfect balance of citrus, gentle bitterness and refreshing carbonation.
THE STORY OF THE PALOMA
The Paloma is one of Mexico's best-known tequila cocktails. Unlike the Margarita, which combines tequila with orange liqueur, the Paloma pairs tequila with grapefruit for a lighter, longer and more refreshing drink.
Its exact origins are uncertain, but the combination of tequila and grapefruit soda became a Mexican favourite and eventually spread to cocktail bars around the world. Today, the Paloma is appreciated for its simple preparation and distinctive balance of agave, citrus, gentle bitterness and sparkling refreshment.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A SIDECAR
A great Paloma starts with a blanco tequila that keeps its fresh agave character when mixed with grapefruit. Drinkero recommends Espolòn Blanco, whose agave and citrus character works particularly well in bright, refreshing tequila cocktails.
Pink grapefruit soda provides sweetness, citrus and carbonation in one ingredient, while a small amount of lime juice adds extra acidity. A pinch of fine sea salt helps bring the flavours together and enhances the grapefruit and agave character.
HOW TO MAKE A CRISP, REFRESHING PALOMA
The Paloma is built directly in the glass, making it one of the easiest tequila cocktails to prepare. Add the tequila, lime juice and a small pinch of salt to a highball glass, then fill generously with ice.
Top with chilled pink grapefruit soda and stir gently to combine without losing too much carbonation. Finish with a fresh lime slice and serve immediately while the drink is cold and sparkling.
Questions about the Paloma
What is a Paloma made from?
A classic Paloma combines tequila, lime, salt and grapefruit soda. Drinkero uses 50 ml blanco tequila, 5 ml lime juice, a pinch of salt and 100 ml pink grapefruit soda.
What tequila is best for a Paloma?
Blanco tequila is an excellent choice because its fresh agave character works particularly well with grapefruit and lime. Drinkero recommends Espolòn Blanco for a classic Paloma.
Should I use grapefruit soda or grapefruit juice?
For this recipe, use pink grapefruit soda. It provides grapefruit flavour, sweetness and carbonation in one ingredient and keeps the Paloma simple and refreshing.
Does a Paloma need salt?
A small pinch of salt is part of the recipe and helps enhance the tequila and grapefruit flavours. It should be subtle rather than making the cocktail taste salty.
Should a Paloma be served with ice?
Yes. Fill a highball glass generously with ice before adding the grapefruit soda. Plenty of ice keeps the Paloma cold and refreshing while you drink it.
How do I make Palomas for a group?
Choose whether you're making 6, 12, 24 or 48 Palomas, and the Drinkero Cocktail Kit Builder calculates the tequila, grapefruit soda, lime and other quantities you need.
Is the Paloma an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Paloma is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as a New Era cocktail. See the IBA’s official Paloma recipe for the classic specification.