Paloma recipe: tequila and grapefruit soda
A paloma is a cocktail with tequila, grapefruit and fizz. This recipe uses pink grapefruit soda, not just grapefruit juice and sparkling water. The basis follows the IBA: 50 ml tequila, 5 ml fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt and 100 ml pink grapefruit soda. The recipe has not been kitchen-tested by The Rub Kitchen.
Ingredients for one glass
- 50 ml tequila made from 100% agave
- 5 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 ml chilled carbonated pink grapefruit soda
- Ice cubes for the glass
- Optional: 1 slice of lime for garnish
Equipment
A highball glass, measuring cup and long spoon. Use clean equipment and food-safe drinking ice; no shaker is needed.
Paloma: step by step
- Measure tequila and lime. Measure the tequila and fresh lime juice and pour them into a clean highball glass.
- Add ice and salt. Add ice cubes and a pinch of salt. A pinch is a small amount; it is not the same as a full salt rim.
- Add grapefruit soda. Measure the chilled pink grapefruit soda and pour it into the glass. Build the drink directly in the glass; do not put the carbonated soda into a closed shaker.
- Stir gently and serve. Stir gently with a long spoon to mix the ingredients without unnecessarily losing fizz. Garnish with a slice of lime if you like and serve straight away.
Grapefruit soda or grapefruit juice?
This version uses carbonated pink grapefruit soda. Fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling water do not automatically have the same amount of sugar, acidity or grapefruit. That is a different variant needing its own ratios and adjustments. Do not simply substitute juice for soda and expect the same result.
Is a paloma less sweet than a margarita?
The name alone cannot tell you. It depends on the soda, liqueur and quantities used. Grapefruit sodas differ in sweetness and bitterness. Taste the chosen basic recipe before adjusting it.
Can you make a pitcher ahead?
Add grapefruit soda and ice only when serving to limit unnecessary loss of fizz and dilution. This recipe is written for one glass; a pitcher is not a separately tested recipe.
Paloma with BBQ food
Citrus and grapefruit notes are a flavour idea alongside a Tex-Mex-inspired menu. Grapefruit can also taste bitter; it does not guarantee a mild or less sweet drink. Offer water and an alcohol-free choice such as homemade lemonade.
Combine your dishes using What to eat at a BBQ? and explore more options in the cocktail and mocktail overview.
Recipe basis
The ratios are based on the official IBA recipe for Paloma. The explanation and menu ideas are written in our own words. No personal test results, preparation times or nutritional values have been added.