Light, bubbly, and effortlessly refreshing, the Paloma cocktail is a celebration of citrus, agave, and effervescence. A staple in Mexican cocktail culture, the Paloma’s crisp, slightly bitter edge makes it the perfect antidote to sweltering heat—or just a long day.
With only a handful of ingredients and no shaking required, the Paloma is as simple as it is delicious. Whether you prefer it with fresh grapefruit juice or the traditional grapefruit soda, this guide will show you how to craft the perfect Paloma at home.
What is a Paloma Cocktail?
The Paloma (Spanish for “dove”) is a tequila-based highball that pairs the spirit’s signature earthy, herbal warmth with the bright acidity of lime, the gentle sweetness of grapefruit, and the refreshing lift of soda.
A Drink with Many Faces
At its core, the Paloma is made with tequila, lime, grapefruit, and bubbles—but how you get there depends on what you value in a cocktail. Some purists reach for fresh grapefruit juice and soda water for brightness and balance, while others swear by Jarritos or Squirt for a nostalgic, easy-drinking version. This recipe leans into fresh ingredients and natural flavor, but no judgment if you love the bottled stuff—it’s all about what you enjoy.
A Brief History of the Paloma Cocktail
Despite its deep roots in Mexican cocktail culture, the exact origins of the Paloma remain a mystery. Some believe it was first created in the mid-20th century, while others credit its popularity to Don Javier Delgado Corona, the legendary owner of La Capilla in Tequila, Jalisco. Regardless of where or how it first emerged, one thing is certain: the Paloma has become a beloved classic, known for its effortless balance and universal appeal.
Unlike many citrus-based cocktails, the Paloma is built directly in the glass rather than shaken. This preserves its fresh flavors while keeping the bubbles intact—making it one of the easiest tequila cocktails to mix at home. Here’s a quick recipe summary to get you started:
Paloma Cocktail Recipe: Quick Summary
To craft the perfect Paloma cocktail, you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Tequila (Blanco or Reposado)
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (or 1:1 Agave Syrup)
- 2 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice (or grapefruit soda)
- Top with Soda Water
- Ice
- Garnish: Grapefruit slice & optional salted rim
Optional: Add 2-3 dashes of bitters, like Lavender Fields or Scorpion Bitters.
Instructions:
- Rim a highball glass with salt (if desired) by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it into salt.
- Mix ingredients: Add tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice to the highball glass.
- Add ice: Fill the highball with ice and top with grapefruit soda for sweetness, or club soda/seltzer for a drier finish.
- Stir & garnish: Lightly stir with a straw and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Best Tequila for a Paloma Cocktail
Since the Paloma is light, citrusy, and refreshing, the best tequila choices are ones that enhance those flavors:
Blanco Tequila (Best Choice)
- Flavor Profile: Crisp, clean, and slightly vegetal agave taste.
- Best For: A bright, fresh Paloma with classic tequila character.
Reposado Tequila (Alternative Choice)
- Flavor Profile: Smooth and rounded with light oak, vanilla, and honey notes.
- Best For: A slightly richer Paloma with more depth that leans into sweetness.
Añejo Tequila (Not Recommended)
- Flavor Profile: Aged, sweet, heavy with caramel and spice notes.
- Anejo’s rich flavor profile tends to overpower a Paloma’s delicate grapefruit and lime flavors.
Why Bitters Make a Better Paloma
Bitters are the secret ingredient that enhances a Paloma’s balance of sweet, tart, and bitter flavors. Whether you want a bolder citrus kick, a floral complexity, or a fiery heat, the right bitters can transform your drink with just a few dashes.
-
Scorpion Bitters – Brings controlled, intense heat for a spicy Paloma without muddling jalapeños or adding vinegary hot sauce flavors.
- Lavender Fields Bitters – Introduces a floral, slightly herbal note that pairs beautifully with tequila’s earthy sweetness, giving the Paloma an elegant lift.
- Bermuda Bitters – Transport your Paloma to a tropical paradise with Bermuda Bitters. Infused with hibiscus, banana, vanilla, and cinnamon, these bitters add a lush, floral-fruity depth and a gorgeous pink hue, making every sip feel like a sun-drenched escape.
Once you try a Paloma with bitters, you won’t go back—those few dashes unlock depth, complexity, and balance in every sip.
Tips & Variations for the Best Paloma
Want to customize your Paloma? Try these variations:
Spicy Paloma – Add 2-3 dashes of Scorpion Bitters for a fiery, complex finish. Love spicy tequila cocktails? Check out our Spicy Margarita Recipe for another bold and balanced cocktail.
Smoky Paloma – Swap tequila for mezcal to add rich, smoky depth.
Tropical Paloma – Add pineapple, passion fruit, or Bermuda Bitters for a tropical twist.
Paloma Spritz – Replace soda with sparkling wine for a bubbly upgrade.
No-Sugar Paloma: Leave behind the simple syrup for a skinny girl Paloma.
Paloma Cocktail Recipe FAQS
What’s the difference between a Paloma and a Margarita?
The Margarita is a shaken cocktail with tequila, lime, and orange liqueur, served in a rocks glass, coupe, or margarita glass with a salted rim.
The Paloma is a highball cocktail, built directly in the glass, made with tequila, grapefruit juice, lime and topped with soda water for effervescence. For a deep dive into the Margarita’s history, ingredients, and variations, check out our Margarita Guide.
Can I make a Paloma without alcohol?
Yes. To make a non-alcoholic Paloma, simply leave out the tequila and add extra sparkling water.
What’s the best grapefruit juice for a Paloma?
Fresh-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice is best for a naturally sweet and tart flavor. If using store-bought, look for 100% pure grapefruit juice with no added sugar. We prefer our fruits organic, like our bitters.
Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Try a Paloma
The Paloma is a cocktail that doesn’t need to try too hard—it’s effortlessly perfect, striking that elusive balance between bold and delicate, refreshing and satisfying, simple and complex. It’s the kind of drink that’s just as delightful on a hot afternoon as it is on a cool evening, equally at home in a casual backyard setting or an elegant cocktail bar.
With its bright citrus flavors, gentle sweetness, and the unmistakable warmth of tequila, the Paloma is a drink that’s impossible not to love. Whether you prefer it sweeter with grapefruit soda or richer with fresh grapefruit juice, it’s a cocktail that always delivers.
Want to take it to the next level? Adding bitters—whether floral, or spicy—transforms a standard Paloma into a next-level cocktail experience.
Try Bennett Bitters in your next Paloma and discover how a few dashes can make all the difference!
How to Make a Paloma Cocktail (Step-by-Step Guide)
Paloma Cocktail Recipe - Tequila Grapefruit Highball
5 minutes
2 minutes
1 people
Highball
Ingredients
• 2 oz Tequila (Blanco or Reposado)
• 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (or 1:1 Agave Syrup)
• 2 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice (or Grapefruit Soda)
• Top with Soda Water
• Ice
• Optional: 2-3 dashes of Bennett Bitters (Bermuda, Lavender, or Scorpion Bitters)
Garnish
Grapefruit Wedge
Optional Salt Rim
Glassware
Highball Glass
Unlike many citrus-based cocktails, the Paloma is built directly in the glass rather than shaken. This preserves its bright, fresh flavors while keeping the bubbles intact.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
If desired, rim a highball glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in salt.
Step 2: Mix Citrus & Sweetener
Add .5 oz fresh lime juice and .5 oz simple syrup (or 1:1 agave syrup) directly into the glass.
Step 3: Add Tequila & Grapefruit Juice
Pour in 2 oz tequila and 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, stirring gently.
Step 4: Add Ice and Top with Soda
Fill the glass with ice and top with soda water (or grapefruit soda). Give it a light stir and garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Tip:
Some bartenders prefer a salted rim, similar to a Margarita. If you love that extra zing, try it with a spicy Tajín rim for a fun variation!
Additional Info
ABV: 7.4%
Standard Drinks: 1.33
Calories: 178
Shop the Recipe
Want to explore more cocktails? Check out these Margarita recipes for another tequila classic!
The Authors: Yana Crow and Joe Bennett
The husband and wife mixologist team behind Bennett Bitters went from the bar to business. Combining their love for organic ingredients and all things inspiring, they crafted their cocktail bitters to conjure their favorite places and vibes.