Grapefruit and lime juice come together to make this Pink Grapefruit Paloma delightfully tart and so refreshing! A spicy salt rim gives it some kick and interest. This pretty pink paloma is a classic, easy cocktail that you'll want to sip on all summer long.
Recipe Background and Details
Grapefruit is one of my absolute favorite flavors to use in cocktails. There is something about the bitter tartness that makes a cocktail super refreshing - and they are so pretty! My Grapefruit Basil Gin and Tonic has always been a hit here so I'm adding another one to the collection with my Pink Grapefruit Paloma. Traditionally a paloma uses a grapefruit soda such as Fresca, Squirt, or Jarritos but I use sparkling water to lighten things up a bit. Side note: When I was a kid my grandma always kept Fresca and/or Squirt in her basement refrigerator and it was the highlight of my summer sneaking down there to grab a cold one!
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Ingredients for Pink Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail
A very simple list of ingredients here:
- Tequila: use a good quality silver or blanco/white tequila. I Like Casamigos.
- Sparkling water: I use plain but a lime or grapefruit flavor would be fun too. And feel free to use a grapefruit soda if you prefer, just leave out the optional sweetener.
- Fresh grapefruits: fresh is best plus it's nice to have some skinny wedges for a pretty garnish. You can use bottled if you can't get fresh grapefruits.
- Fresh limes: again, fresh is best but use a good quality bottled lime juice if you can't get ahold of fresh limes.
- Spiced salt: I love to line the rim with a salt that has been seasoned with either Tajin or cayenne and lime zest. It's not only pretty but it adds a little kick! Bonus points if you use a pink Himalayan salt!
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions - how to make a Paloma cocktail
Wet rim of glass with lime juice and roll in spiced salt mixture. Fill glasses with ice.
Prepare cocktail by stirring together tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and sweetener if using in a large jar or measuring cup. Pour over ice in glasses and top with sparkling water. Garnish with lime and grapefruit wedges.
Variations
To make a spicy paloma, muddle a few fresh jalapeno slices in the glass before proceeding with the recipe.
To get even more flavor from the limes and grapefruit, muddle some in the glass before mixing the cocktail.
Add a pinch of sugar to the salt mixture for a sweet and salty version.
FAQs
A paloma cocktail is made of tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice but in my version I use fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling water to lighten things up a bit.
A silver tequila or blanco/white tequila is best for a paloma cocktail. I like Casamigos.
Related - cocktail and drink recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pink Grapefruit Paloma
Grapefruit and lime juice come together to make this Pink Grapefruit Paloma tart and so refreshing! Tequila and a chili-salt rim give it some kick and interest. This pretty paloma is a classic, easy cocktail that you'll want to sip on all summer long.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 cocktails
Ingredients
for 2 paloma cocktails:
4 ounces tequila
4 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
1 ounce fresh lime juice
optional - 1 ounce simple syrup or agave nectar
4 ounces sparkling water (use a grapefruit or lime flavored water for even more flavor!)
for glass rim garnish:
2 tablespoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon tajin seasoning or cayenne
zest of one lime
Instructions
Wet rim of glass with lime juice and roll in spiced salt mixture. Fill glasses with ice.
Prepare cocktail by stirring together tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and sweetener if using in a large jar or measuring cup. Pour over ice in glasses and top with sparkling water. Garnish with lime and grapefruit wedges.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: n/a
- Category: cocktails, drinks, summer
- Cuisine: American
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