Grapefruit Paloma Recipe

Grapefruit Paloma recipe — The citrus queen who puts lime margaritas in their place with effortless Mexican sass. Made with tequila. Originally from Mexico.

I'm the sophisticated cousin who studied abroad and came back with better taste. While everyone else fights over basic margaritas, I'm here serving pink perfection with a salt rim that actually means something. I pair equally well with tacos and existential conversations about whether grapefruit is truly the superior citrus.

The original Paloma was actually made with grapefruit soda, not fresh juice, because Mexican bartenders in the 1950s wanted to create a drink that working-class people could afford and enjoy. The fresh grapefruit version is actually the fancy modern interpretation.

Born in the 1950s in Jalisco as the people's cocktail - a simple mix of tequila and grapefruit soda that became Mexico's most popular cocktail. Named 'paloma' (dove) for its light, refreshing nature that could fly you through hot afternoons.

Ingredients

• 2 oz blanco tequila (100% agave preferred)
• 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 2 oz grapefruit soda (like Jarritos or Squirt)
• 1 pinch coarse salt (for rim)
• 1 wheel grapefruit (for garnish)
• 1 wedge lime (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Rim highball glass with coarse salt using lime wedge.
2. Fill glass with large ice cubes.
3. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
4. Stir gently to combine, then top with grapefruit soda.
5. Garnish with grapefruit wheel and lime wedge.

Category: cocktail | Difficulty: easy | Base spirit: tequila | ABV: 10.0-14.0%

Origin: Mexico