When most people think of Mexican cocktails, their minds immediately jump to the classic margarita. But ask anyone in Mexico what they’re sipping on during a sunny afternoon, and the answer is likely to be the Paloma — a bright, refreshing blend of tequila, grapefruit soda (or juice), lime, and a salted rim. Light, crisp, and effortlessly drinkable, the Paloma is a national favorite that’s finally gaining traction worldwide.
Unlike its boozier cousin, the margarita, the Paloma is balanced, citrus-forward, and far more thirst-quenching, making it perfect for casual get-togethers, beach days, or laid-back dinner parties. It’s also deceptively simple to make — with ingredients that are easy to find and tweak according to your preferences.
In this recipe guide, we’ll walk you through how to craft the perfect Paloma at home, with a few tips on how to personalize it, elevate the presentation, and — yes — why this cocktail is the one bartenders secretly prefer.
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Best Time to Drink and How to Partner
The Paloma is best enjoyed midday to late afternoon, especially when the sun is out and the mood is relaxed. It’s the ultimate aperitivo drink — meaning it works beautifully before meals, especially during warm-weather months when you want something cold, crisp, and not too sweet.
Pair your Paloma with Mexican-inspired small plates like grilled shrimp tacos, ceviche, or guacamole with fresh tortilla chips. For a Mediterranean twist, it even complements salty snacks like marinated olives or grilled halloumi. Because of its bright acidity, the Paloma also cuts through fatty foods effortlessly, making it a great sidekick to slow-cooked pork or even spicy fried chicken.
Want to keep it non-alcoholic? Make a “Virgin Paloma” with grapefruit soda, lime juice, and a splash of soda water over ice — still delicious and endlessly refreshing.
While the Paloma is deeply beloved in Mexico, it has long played second fiddle to the margarita internationally, mostly because of marketing. The margarita was heavily promoted to U.S. audiences for decades, while the Paloma stayed quietly popular among locals — an unintentional underdog in the world of tequila cocktails.
Another ongoing debate in mixology circles is about what makes a “real” Paloma. Purists insist on using grapefruit soda like Jarritos, Squirt, or Fresca, while modern bartenders lean toward fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and club soda. Both methods are valid — but the choice can spark passionate arguments among fans.
Finally, there’s the salt-rim divide. Some say it’s optional, others insist it’s essential. In truth, the salty rim brings out the bitterness of the grapefruit and rounds out the drink. If you’re new to the Paloma, try it both ways and see where your taste buds land.
How to Make Paloma Cocktail
Paloma Cocktail Ingredients
2 ounces tequila
1/2 ounce lime juice (freshly squeezed)
6 ounces grapefruit soda (e.g., Jarritos or Fresca)
Pinch of salt
Ice cubes
Lime wedge and grapefruit slice (for garnish)
Optional: 1/2 ounce simple syrup or agave syrup for sweetness
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Step By Step How to Make Paloma Cocktail
Salt the Rim
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass. Dip the rim of the glass into a small plate of salt.
Fill the Glass with Ice
Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice cubes. Add Tequila and Lime Juice. Pour 2 ounces of tequila and 1/2 ounce of lime juice into the glass. Add a pinch of salt. Top up with 6 ounces of grapefruit soda. Stir gently to combine.
Sweeten (Optional):
If you prefer a sweeter drink, add 1/2 ounce of simple syrup or agave syrup. Garnish with a lime wedge and a slice of grapefruit.
Serve
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips To Make Paloma Cocktail
Use a good quality tequila, preferably 100% agave. Blanco (silver) tequila is most commonly used for a Paloma. Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the best flavor.
Use a high-quality grapefruit soda. If unavailable, you can substitute with grapefruit juice and club soda.
Salting the rim of the glass enhances the flavors of the drink. Use coarse salt for best results. Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding simple syrup or agave syrup if needed.
How Many Calories Have Paloma Cocktail
2 ounces tequila: ~128 calories
1/2 ounce lime juice: ~4 calories
6 ounces grapefruit soda: ~96 calories
Pinch of salt: ~0 calories
Optional 1/2 ounce simple syrup: ~48 calories
Approximately 228 calories per serving (without simple syrup) and 276 calories per serving with simple syrup.
Origin and History
While the Margarita has become the go-to cocktail for anyone ordering tequila, the Paloma has quietly held its place as the true national favorite in Mexico. Unlike the Margarita’s glamorous rise in bars across the U.S., the Paloma’s history is rooted in everyday Mexican culture. It’s the drink locals actually sip on hot afternoons, combining tequila with grapefruit soda or juice, lime, and a touch of salt.
The exact origins of the Paloma are a bit mysterious. Many credit its rise to the 1950s, when grapefruit soda became widely available in Mexico. Its name, meaning “dove” in Spanish, may have come from a popular folk song of the time. Unlike the Margarita, which often requires more ingredients and preparation, the Paloma emerged as an easy, refreshing cocktail meant to be enjoyed casually.
Today, the Paloma has gained international recognition. Its bright, citrusy flavor and refreshing simplicity have made it a favorite among bartenders and cocktail lovers who appreciate its balance of sweet, tart, and slightly bitter notes. In many ways, it reflects Mexican drinking culture itself: unpretentious, vibrant, and perfectly suited for warm weather.
Despite its popularity in Mexico, the Paloma has long played second fiddle to the Margarita in the United States. Many Americans don’t realize that the Margarita is often more popular abroad than it is in Mexico itself. This discrepancy stems from decades of marketing campaigns that positioned the Margarita as the quintessential tequila cocktail for tourists.
Some cocktail purists argue that the Paloma is a more authentic representation of Mexican drinking culture, while others insist the Margarita deserves its top spot because of its versatility and festive vibe. This debate often reflects broader conversations about cultural perception and how certain traditions get commercialized internationally.
Another point of contention involves ingredients. Traditionalists prefer Palomas made with grapefruit soda, while modern mixologists opt for fresh-squeezed juice and handcrafted syrups. Both approaches have their loyal fans, and the debate over what makes the “real” Paloma continues to shape its reputation around the world.
How Long You Take to Prepare
One of the Paloma’s greatest strengths is its simplicity. Unlike the Margarita, which often requires shaking and straining, a Paloma can be made in just a few minutes with minimal tools. All you need is a glass, some ice, tequila, grapefruit soda or juice, lime, and a pinch of salt.
Preparation typically takes less than five minutes. Start by rimming your glass with lime and salt if you prefer an added flavor boost. Add ice, pour in your tequila, top with grapefruit soda or juice, squeeze in fresh lime, and give it a quick stir. The result is a crisp, refreshing drink that tastes like summer in a glass.
Because the Paloma is so quick to prepare, it’s perfect for gatherings where you want to impress guests without spending the whole night behind the bar. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require a mixology degree to get right.
Serving Suggestions
The Paloma is best served in a tall glass, like a highball or Collins, to let the carbonation shine. A salted rim adds a subtle savory contrast to the bright citrus flavors, but it’s entirely optional. Garnish with a lime wedge or a thin slice of grapefruit for a polished presentation.
For an elevated version, you can use fresh grapefruit juice instead of soda and add sparkling water to control sweetness. A dash of agave syrup can also enhance the drink’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
Pairing the Paloma with food is effortless. Its crisp, citrus-forward profile complements Mexican dishes like tacos, ceviche, or grilled meats beautifully. It’s also a refreshing counterbalance to spicy foods, making it an ideal companion for summer meals and casual gatherings.
Final Thoughts
The Paloma deserves to step out of the Margarita’s shadow. It’s light, refreshing, and deeply tied to the culture that gave us tequila in the first place. Its simplicity makes it approachable for anyone, while its flavor profile is complex enough to satisfy even seasoned cocktail enthusiasts.
What sets the Paloma apart is its authenticity. It’s not a tourist invention or a drink designed for show; it’s the cocktail locals actually choose. And that’s exactly what makes it special.
Whether you’re hosting a party, unwinding on a warm evening, or exploring new cocktail recipes, the Paloma is a classic worth embracing. It’s proof that sometimes the most unassuming drinks are the ones that stay with us the longest.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.