Go Back
Paloma Cocktail Recipe

Paloma Cocktail Recipe

Make a refreshing Paloma cocktail at home
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 glass
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Here’s the classic Paloma base:
  • 60 ml tequila blanco
  • 60 –90 ml grapefruit soda or fresh juice + soda
  • 15 ml fresh lime juice
  • 10 –15 ml simple syrup or agave optional, adjust to taste
  • Pinch of salt optional but amazing
  • Ice cubes — plenty
For the rim (optional)
  • Lime wedge
  • Salt or Tajin chili powder mix
Garnish ideas:
  • Grapefruit slice
  • Lime wheel
  • Or nothing sometimes minimal just feels right

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring spoon
  • Citrus juicer
  • Tall glass or highball glass
  • Spoon or stirrer
  • Ice — lots of it
  • Optional — but nice:Salt or Tajin chili salt for rim

Method
 

How To Make Paloma — Step-By-Step (Kitchen Style)
  1. Alright — glass ready?
  2. Let’s make it together.
Step 1 — Prep the glass (optional… but fun)
  1. Rub lime on the rim.
  2. Dip lightly in salt or Tajin.
  3. Not perfect? Doesn’t matter. Looks cool anyway.
Step 2 — Add tequila + lime juice
  1. Into the shaker (or jar), add:
  2. tequila
  3. fresh lime juice
  4. syrup if using
  5. Pause for a second… smell that citrus? Yeah — same.
Step 3 — Add ice + shake gently
  1. Just a quick shake — nothing aggressive.
  2. We’re chilling the drink, not wrestling it.
Step 4 — Pour into glass
  1. Fill with ice first — then strain the mix over.
  2. Let it sit for a second.
Step 5 — Top with grapefruit soda
  1. Slow pour.
  2. Watch the fizz rise.
  3. Tiny moment — kind of satisfying.
Step 6 — Give a light stir
  1. Not too much. Just enough to say:
  2. “Hey ingredients… become friends.”
Step 7 — Garnish & sip
  1. Add grapefruit slices (or don’t).
  2. Take a sip.
  3. Let the flavors settle.
  4. Crisp. Zesty. Calm. Refreshing.
  5. If you smiled a little — yeah, me too.