The Classic Paloma combines fresh grapefruit and lime juice, sparkling water, and tequila for a super refreshing and easy-sipping cocktail, but the addition of fresh mint elevates the flavor and freshness factor making it one of our favorites ever!
Editor’s Note: Originally published on May 30, 2018. Updated with improved recipe, all new photos, and ingredient information.
Similar to a margarita in that the Paloma combines citrus and tequila, it’s a bit lighter in alcohol due to the absence of another liquor, such as a triple sec or Cointreau that you’d typically find in a classic margarita.
The effervescence of the Paloma makes it refreshing, and the perfect cocktail for summer!
The Paloma with mint is great alongside Mexican fare such as shrimp tacos, chili colorado, and of course chips and guacamole.
To make a non-alcoholic Paloma, simply omit the tequila and replace with more sparkling water; this makes an excellent mocktail!
Recipe Ingredients
All ingredients for this recipe are shown in the pic below and special notes are made in this bulleted list to assist you.
- Citrus. Use fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and lime juice for the best results. Fresh grapefruit and/or lime slices can also be used for garnish.
- Tequila. Use a blanco/silver tequila for your Palomas.
- Agave. For a bit of sweetness, use light agave nectar. Agave nectar can also be used to help the salt stick to the rim of the glass, if using.
- Carbonation. Topo Chico or other sparkling water or club soda. Alternatively, you can replace the sparkling water and grapefruit juice with grapefruit soda. Jarritos brand is good as is Trader Joe’s.
- Mint. While not traditional, the fresh mint pairs so well with grapefruit and amps up the refreshing flavor of the classic Paloma.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make it
- Pour some agave nectar into a shallow plate and pour some kosher salt into another shallow plate. Prepare the rim of two rocks glasses by dipping the rims into the agave nectar and gently rolling them in coarse salt. Fill both glasses with ice.
- To a cocktail shaker add a handful of ice, 4 ounces of blanco tequila, 4 ounces of grapefruit juice, 2 ounces of lime juice, and one ounce of agave nectar and shake for 30 seconds, then strain and pour the mixture into the prepared rocks glasses.
- Whack a sprig of mint leaves against the cocktail shaker to release their flavor and oil, then hand-tear the leaves and add to the glasses and fill both to the top with sparkling water. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit, lime, or both and serve immediately. Enjoy!
More tequila cocktails
If you’re looking for more ways to use tequila, here are a few of our favorite recipes.
- Limoncello margarita – frozen margarita with fresh lime juice and limoncello.
- Cucumber jalapeño margarita – with fresh lime juice, tequila, and triple sec.
- Apple margarita – with mezcal, apple cider, and fresh lime juice.
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Classic Paloma with Mint
Ingredients
- 4 ounces tequila silver or blanco
- 4 ounces grapefruit juice
- 2 ounces lime juice
- 1 ounce light agave nectar plus more for the rim
- 5-7 fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces sparkling water or club soda to fill to the top
- kosher salt or coarse sea salt optional, for the rim
- grapefruit slice optional, for garnish
- ice
Instructions
- Prepare two rocks glasses by dipping the rim into agave nectar, then rolling the rim in coarse salt, and fill with ice.
- To a cocktail shaker add the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar and shake for 30 seconds.
- Strain and pour the grapefruit juice mixture into the glasses, add the fresh mint leaves and fill to the top with club soda.
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and/or lime, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
- If possible use fresh squeezed grapefruit and lime juice.
- Make this non-alcoholic by eliminating the tequila and replace it with more club soda.
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch more agave to taste.
- For a more intense mint flavor, muddle the mint with the lime juice in the cocktail shaker before adding the ice, tequila, and grapefruit juice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe was originally published on May 30, 2018. It was completely updated on May 3, 2024.
This drink is so good. I make it for me husband all the time.
So happy you and your husband love this one, Valerie!
The recipe sounds divine, just like everything else you do!!!
A question…tequila and I don’t agree. Can I use vodka instead for this delicious looking summer drink???
Hi Lynda, yes, you can definitely use vodka for this one. Hope you enjoy!
My husband loved this drink. I have to make it all the time now. Lol. I’m happy he loves it so much. Thank you Jim
We’re so happy you and your husband enjoyed, Valerie!