Paloma (Grapefruit Tequila Cocktail)

Bright, tall and refreshingly sharp, the Paloma is a Mexican tequila cocktail that puts grapefruit at the centre of the glass. Served over plenty of ice and lengthened with soda water, it has the easy-drinking structure of a highball, with lime adding extra acidity and a pinch of fine sea salt rounding out the citrus bitterness. The drink is crisp rather than sweet, lightly sparkling and especially good when made with fresh grapefruit juice. It suits warm-weather serving, aperitif-style drinking or relaxed entertaining, and can be taken in a smokier direction by using mezcal instead of tequila.
Recipe by JustRecipes Editorial Team
Content validated: August 2026 How we create recipes
Made this recipe? Rate it
Cuisine style Mexican cocktail
Cooking style No-cook preparation • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 15 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Bright and refreshing: Grapefruit, lime and soda water keep the drink citrus-led, crisp and light.
  • Salt sharpens the citrus: A small pinch of fine sea salt brings out the grapefruit and softens any harshness from the tequila.
  • Made in the glass: The cocktail is built directly over ice, so there is no shaking or specialist technique required.

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Ingredient notes

  • Use fresh grapefruit if possible: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice gives the cleanest, brightest flavour and avoids the flatness of some bottled juices.
  • Keep the salt subtle: The salt should lift the citrus rather than make the drink taste salty; stir well so it dissolves evenly.
  • Adjust the sharpness: Taste before serving and add a little more lime juice if the grapefruit is especially sweet.

Cocktail variations

  • Mezcal Paloma: Swap tequila for mezcal to add a gentle smoky note while keeping the grapefruit-lime profile.
  • Softer fizz: Use sparkling water instead of soda water for a slightly gentler, less sharp finish.

Alcohol-free alternatives

  • Alcohol-free Paloma-style drink: Leave out the tequila and build the drink with grapefruit juice, lime, salt and plenty of chilled soda water.
  • Keep the saline-citrus balance: Retain the lime and fine sea salt so the alcohol-free version still has the sharp, savoury edge of a Paloma.

Make-ahead tips

  • Prep the base ahead: Tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and salt can be mixed and chilled in advance, then poured over fresh ice.
  • Add fizz last: Top with soda water only just before serving to keep the drink sparkling.
  • Serve immediately: A Paloma is at its best while very cold, freshly mixed and lively with bubbles.

Equipment you'll need

Citrus juicer Cocktail shaker Jigger
Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Fill a tall glass with the ice and add the salt. Cut the lime and squeeze in the juice, then drop in a lime wedge for serving if you like.
  2. Add the tequila and grapefruit juice. Give it a quick stir to dissolve the salt and chill the drink.
  3. Top up with the soda water and stir once, gently, to keep the fizz. Taste and add a touch more lime juice if you want it sharper.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the cleanest flavour, use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and serve immediately while the drink is properly cold.
  • If you are pregnant, elderly, immunocompromised, or serving children, avoid alcohol.

Substitutions

  • Replace Tequila with Mezcal for a lightly smoky Paloma.
  • Replace Soda water with Sparkling water for a slightly softer fizz.

Storage

  • Best made to order. If you must prep ahead, mix the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and salt and chill for up to 24 hours, then pour over fresh ice and top with soda water just before serving.

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Paloma (Grapefruit Tequila Cocktail)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 1 glasses
  • Total time: 7min (7min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Mexican
Beginner friendly
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Equipment you'll need

Citrus juicer Cocktail shaker Jigger

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Fine sea salt

1 cup ≈ 268.8 g
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Grapefruit juice

1 cup ≈ 240 ml
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Soda water

1 cup ≈ 240 ml
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