This Easy Fresh Paloma Cocktail is a refreshing drink made with simple ingredients like grapefruit juice, lime, and tequila. It’s bubbly and bright, perfect for any occasion!
What I love most is how easy it is to whip up. Just mix, pour, and enjoy while lounging on a sunny day. Cheers to good times and great drinks! 🍹
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tequila Blanco: This clear tequila is perfect. If you’re avoiding alcohol, you could substitute with a non-alcoholic tequila alternative or simply enjoy it as a mocktail with extra soda.
Fresh Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for flavor. If you only have bottled juice, that works—but look for a brand without added sugar for a more authentic taste.
Simple Syrup: You can easily make your own by mixing equal parts sugar and water. For a healthier touch, honey or agave syrup can also work well.
Club Soda: If you prefer a hint of flavor, use flavored sparkling water. It adds extra taste without any sugar!
How Do I Properly Rim a Glass for Cocktails?
Rimming a glass can boost your drink’s overall experience! Here’s how to do it right:
- Choose a coarse salt for texture, but feel free to experiment with a flavored salt!
- Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass to give the salt something to stick to.
- Dip the rim into a plate of salt, twisting it gently for an even coat.
- Let it dry a moment before pouring your cocktail in. This enhances the first sip with a salty contrast!
Easy Fresh Paloma Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top
- Ice cubes
- Lime slices, for garnish
- Grapefruit wedge, for garnish
- Coarse salt, for rimming the glass (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few moments gathering your ingredients and just a little bit longer mixing everything together. In no time, you’ll be sipping your delicious Paloma!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Glass:
If you like, you can rim your glass with salt for an extra burst of flavor. Take a wedge of lime and run it around the rim of the glass, then dip the rim into coarse salt to coat it lightly. Set the glass aside to dry.
2. Filling with Ice:
Fill the prepared glass with ice cubes to keep your drink nice and chilled. The more ice, the colder and more refreshing your cocktail will be!
3. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a shaker or a mixing glass, combine the tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir or shake the mixture gently until everything is well combined and the flavor is balanced to your liking.
4. Assembling the Cocktail:
Pour the mixed ingredients over the ice in your prepared glass. This will create a beautiful, vibrant drink.
5. Adding the Fizz:
Top off your cocktail with club soda or sparkling water to add a refreshing fizz. This step makes the drink light and bubbly!
6. Garnishing:
Add a lime slice and a wedge of grapefruit to the rim of the glass for a nice garnish and a splash of color. It’s also a great way for your guests to have an extra squeeze of citrus if they like!
7. Serving:
Serve your Easy Fresh Paloma Cocktail immediately, and enjoy every sip of its refreshing flavor. Cheers!
Can I Use Any Type of Tequila for This Cocktail?
While tequila blanco is ideal for a clean and crisp flavor, you can certainly experiment with other types like reposado for a deeper taste. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly!
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Cocktail?
Absolutely! The amount of simple syrup can be adjusted to your taste. Start with less and add more as needed until it reaches your desired sweetness. You can also substitute with honey or agave syrup if preferred.
How to Store Leftover Ingredients?
If you have leftover grapefruit or lime juice, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For the simple syrup, keep it in the fridge as well, where it will last for about a month!
Can I Make This Recipe a Mocktail?
Yes! Just skip the tequila and double the amount of grapefruit and lime juices, then top it off with club soda. It’s a refreshing non-alcoholic version that everyone can enjoy!
