Paloma Cocktail

No ratings yet

This refreshing Paloma Cocktail is made with fresh ruby red grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave syrup, tequila (or mezcal), and sparkling water for a bright, crisp cocktail that's ready in just 5 minutes.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Beverages

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: servings

Author: Jamie Sherman

Equipment

citrus juicer
cocktail mixing glass
jigger or shot glass
cocktail glasses
small saucer (optional, for a salted rim)

Ingredients

lime wedges for rimming the glass (optional)
Maldon sea salt flakes or Tajín seasoning for rimming the glass (optional)
ice for serving
2 medium ruby red grapefruits
2 limes
1 ounce agave syrup
4 ounces mezcal or blanco tequila
ice for stirring
2 ounces sparkling water
grapefruit wedges for garnish

Instructions

Optional: If desired, rim your serving glass with Maldon sea salt flakes or Tajín. Rub a lime wedge lightly around the outside edge of the glass, then dip the rim into a shallow plate of salt or Tajín. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.
lime wedges, Maldon sea salt flakes or Tajín seasoning, ice
Cut the grapefruits in half and squeeze enough juice to get 4 ounces of grapefruit juice. Reserve any extra grapefruit for garnish.
2 medium ruby red grapefruits
Cut the limes in half and squeeze enough juice to get 1½ ounces of lime juice.
2 limes
Add the grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup to a cocktail mixing glass.
1 ounce agave syrup
Add the tequila and ice. Stir until well chilled.
4 ounces mezcal or blanco tequila, ice
Strain into the prepared ice-filled glass.
Top with sparkling water.
2 ounces sparkling water
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and serve immediately.
grapefruit wedges

Notes

🥡 Storage

This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after mixing.
If you've mixed everything except the sparkling water and ice, refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Add fresh ice and sparkling water just before serving.

♨️ Reheating

This recipe is served cold and should not be reheated.

❄️ Freezing

Freezing is not recommended since carbonation is lost after thawing.
Fresh grapefruit juice may be frozen separately for up to 3 months.

💡 Tips for Best Results

Freshly squeezed citrus makes a noticeable difference.
Stir the tequila with ice before straining to properly chill and slightly dilute the cocktail.
Taste your grapefruit first. If it's particularly tart, add a little extra agave syrup.
Add the sparkling water last to preserve the bubbles.
Chill your serving glasses for an extra refreshing drink.
A pinch of salt in the drink can help mellow especially bitter grapefruit.

🍳 Alternate Cooking Methods

No alternate cooking methods are recommended for this recipe.

♻️ Leftovers

Leftover citrus juice can be used in homemade salad dressings, marinades, citrus vinaigrettes, or additional cocktails.
Extra grapefruit wedges make a refreshing garnish for sparkling water.

📝 Notes

A standard grapefruit yields approximately 6 ounces (¾ cup) of juice.
Blanco tequila provides the classic flavor.
Mezcal adds a delicious smoky twist.
For a salted rim, Maldon sea salt flakes offer delicate texture, while Tajín adds tangy heat.
This recipe is easy to double or triple for entertaining. Add the sparkling water immediately before serving.

Nutrition