This is truly the best Paloma cocktail recipe — developed and refined by a former bartender. It’s fresh, distinctive, and the most delicious version I’ve ever tasted. You only need four ingredients (plus ice) to make it.
This recipe is for those of legal drinking age. Please enjoy responsibly.
Before I became a recipe developer, I spent more than 12 years behind the bar. Two tequila cocktails stood out as crowd favorites: the Paloma and the classic margarita. Every bar has its own take on a Paloma — some use grapefruit soda, others prefer fresh grapefruit with club soda. This version is my favorite: bright, balanced, and simple. It’s a family favorite introduced by my Tio Roman, who loves a well-made tequila cocktail and generously shared his method with me.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh & Unique — key limes are muddled with Himalayan salt to release aromatic oils from the peel, giving the drink a fragrant, complex citrus note.
Perfectly Balanced — bright citrus, gentle sweetness, and a hint of salty bitterness come together harmoniously.
Crowd Pleaser — this cocktail converts skeptics: it’s popular even with family members who dislike the taste of alcohol.
Ingredients in a Paloma
You only need four ingredients plus ice:
- Tequila — use a blanco for a crisp, clean flavor, or a reposado for a rounder, aged profile. Tio Roman prefers El Jimador.
- Key limes — they’re more floral and slightly sweeter than regular limes, adding a brighter, more aromatic acidity.
- Grapefruit soda — a classic Paloma component. Popular choices include Squirt or Jarritos.
- Himalayan salt — adds subtle mineral notes and enhances the cocktail’s flavors. Use coarse or fine depending on preference.
How to Make a Paloma
Below is a concise overview for a single serving. Exact measurements and more details are in the recipe card further down.
- Combine rinsed key limes and Himalayan salt in a cocktail shaker or mason jar.
- Muddle until the juices are released and the salt dissolves.
- Add tequila and ice, then shake vigorously for about 5 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with grapefruit soda, gently stir, and garnish with a lime wheel or wedge if desired. Serve immediately.
Pairing Suggestions
Palomas pair beautifully with many Mexican dishes. Here are a few ideas to serve alongside:
- Tacos. Tequila and tacos are natural partners — try them with shredded beef birria, shrimp with tequila-lime, carnitas, carne asada, or tacos al pastor.
- Ceviche. The bright, citrus flavors of ceviche complement a Paloma for a light, refreshing meal, especially in warm weather.
- Enchiladas. Creamy chicken enchiladas, like enchiladas suizas, balance nicely with the zesty lift of a Paloma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kosher salt is the closest substitute and works well. Avoid table salt with iodine — it can add a metallic bitterness that clashes with grapefruit. Himalayan salt adds a subtle mineral flavor that enhances the drink.
Yes. Fresh grapefruit juice offers a natural flavor but differs from the classic Paloma profile you get with grapefruit soda. If using fresh juice, top it with club soda to add carbonation.
Blanco tequila is most common because its clean, bright character complements citrus. If you prefer more depth, a reposado will also work.
Yes. Prepare the key lime, salt, and tequila mixture ahead of time and refrigerate (without ice). Don’t add the grapefruit soda until serving to keep the bubbles fresh. If making ahead, avoid muddling into the pith to prevent bitterness — you can juice the limes first, then lightly muddle the spent halves with salt.
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The BEST Paloma Cocktail Recipe (From a Former Bartender)
Equipment
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cocktail shaker
-
jigger
-
muddler
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila blanco or reposado
- 2½ oz grapefruit soda Jarritos or Squirt
- 2 key limes rinsed and halved
- ¼ tsp Himalayan salt
- Tajin or salt (optional for rim)
To make a large pitcher (10 servings):
- 20 oz tequila blanco (~2½ cups)
- 25 oz grapefruit soda (~3 cups)
- 20 key limes rinsed and halved
- 2½ tsp Himalayan salt
Instructions
- If desired, run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in Tajin or salt. Set aside.
- Combine key limes and Himalayan salt in a shaker or mason jar.
- Muddle until the juices are released and the salt dissolves.
- Add tequila and ice, then shake vigorously for about 5 seconds.
- Add fresh ice to your prepared glass and strain the mixture over the ice.
- Top with grapefruit soda, stir gently (do not shake), and garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.
Notes
- Can’t find grapefruit soda? Mix Sprite with fresh grapefruit juice as an alternative.
- Another option: combine fresh grapefruit juice with club soda and a touch of agave or simple syrup for sweetness.
- Key limes and salt matter: they elevate the cocktail’s aroma and depth — don’t skip them if you can help it.
- Do not shake the grapefruit soda: shaking carbonated drinks can cause the shaker to burst and will flatten the soda more quickly.
- Pitcher tip: if making ahead, mix the lime, salt, and tequila and refrigerate without ice. Add grapefruit soda only when ready to serve and pour over fresh ice.
Nutrition
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Carbs: 21 g
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Protein: 1 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.