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Paloma Tequila Cocktail

Sweet, tart, tangy, and refreshing! This low-alcohol Paloma Tequila Cocktail is made from just a few simple ingredients: fresh grapefruit and lime juices, tequila, simple syrup, and sparkling water.

Paloma cocktails are sometimes called the "grapefruit margarita" because they are comprised of almost the same flavor profile: lime, tequila, and salt. The differentiating factor, and something I love about a Paloma, is the bubbles. Traditionally, the drink includes grapefruit soda like Jarritos Grapefruit, Squirt, or Fresca.

I didn't want all the sugar in a soda messing up my drinkie, so my version uses fresh grapefruit juice, a sugar-free simple syrup, and sparkling water. It's so refreshing!

Grapefruit, lime, tequila, simple syrup, and a Tajin-rimmed glass.

Looking for a non-alcoholic version? Try my Grapefruit Coconut Paloma Mocktail. It's zero-proof and 100% delicious!

Other tequila-based cocktails: Fig Margaritas, Pineapple Jalapeno Margaritas, and Yuzu Margaritas.

Lessons Learned

Fresh juice is always best and will yield the most delicious flavor. I happen to have a pink grapefruit tree in my yard, but most peeps don't. Ruby Reds (a type of grapefruit) can be found at most grocery stores. In a pinch, use a good quality bottled juice.
I used reposado tequila here, but a blanco (silver) tequila would work just as well. Of course you can make this drink stronger by adding more tequila if you choose.
Homemade simple syrup, either regular or sugar-free, is so easy to make, and I highly recommend doing it!