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Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail

Bright, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, this grapefruit Paloma is the ultimate summer cocktail. With just the right mix of citrusy sweetness and crisp tequila, it’s an effortlessly delicious drink that’s sure to impress—no one will guess how easy it is to make!

Vertical view of the tall collins glass with the cocktail with a stirrer and wedge of grapefruit. There is a shorter glass in the background and a whole grapefruit
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Did you know that paloma means dove in Spanish?

But what does the word dove have to do with this grapefruit cocktail, you ask?

I have no clue. Not a lot is known about the history of this beverage. Some say it is named after a song “La Paloma” that was popular at the time it first appeared. Leave me a comment if you’re in the know!

I heard about the grapefruit Paloma many years ago when I worked at the Mexican restaurant. The customer who ordered it told me what it was. He told me it contained white tequila and grapefruit soda, like the brands Squirt, Izze, and Fresca.

Now, we didn’t have any of those sodas at the restaurant so the guy decided on a margarita.

We got to talking and he told me he had more than his share of Palomas on his vacation to Mexico and he really liked them. I asked, “Better than a margarita made with grapefruit juice?” His answer was yes, because they were so refreshing.

I had to try one. Just to see. For research. He was right. It is very refreshing.

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Helpful tips

  • If I’m making one Paloma, I build it in the glass. If I’m making two or more, I combine the first three ingredients in my shaker then strain and divide among the glasses, topping each off with club soda separately. You don’t want to shake soda.
  • Use a good quality blanco tequila. I use Patron Silver, which I love.
  • I always recommend buying the best alcohol you can afford but because this cocktail calls for fruit juice, it will still taste fine using a brand that isn’t premium or even mid-level.
  • Before I squeeze citrus or use it as garnish, I always wash it. You don’t want to be ingesting pesticides. Here’s how: Squirt some natural, unscented foaming hand soap (I get mine at Whole Foods) in your hand. Take the citrus fruit between your hands and rub the soap all over it. Next, take a vegetable brush and scrub the skin of the fruit. Run under cold water and make sure it is soap free.
  • To garnish, cut a small grapefruit wedge from a fresh grapefruit and/or use a channeling knife (if you have one) to cut a twist from the circumference of the grapefruit.
  • If you don’t have a channeling knife, cut a grapefruit in half around the equator. Next, cut a thinnish slice. With your knife, cut the flesh out of the round (and eat). Cut a slit in the round, wrap it into a spiral and use a martini pick to hold the spiral together. See photo of finished cocktail below.
  • You could also garnish this cocktail with a lime wedge if you prefer.
  • Since ruby red grapefruit juice is sweet, there is no need to add simple syrup or agave nectar.

How to make a grapefruit Paloma

Pre-step

Gather a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Also get a measuring glass and glassware. I use a double old fashioned glass and a Collins glass.

Cut the garnish. (See helpful tips above.)

After measuring out the ingredients, pour into the shaker.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – tequila, limes, grapefruit juice, and club soda (or grapefruit soda).

Tequila, grapefruit juice, limes, club soda, a grapefruit and shaker in background
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step two

Measure 4 ounces of tequila. (A)

Step three

Measure 1 ounce of fresh lime juice. (B)

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Left - tequila measured with the bottle and cork. Right - lime juice measured with two limes and the shaker
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step four

Measure 6 ounces of grapefruit juice. (C)

Step five

Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.

Step six

Add fresh ice cubes to the glasses and strain and divide the liquid between the two glasses. I also add some of the ice from the shaker as well. Get club soda ready. (D)

Left - grapefruit juice in a large measuring glass. Right - grapefruit cocktail poured into the glasses with club soda in the background
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step seven

Pour club soda to the top of the glass and add the garnish. I chose the twist for the short glass and the wedge for the tall glass.

A double old fashioned glass and tall glass filled with the grapefruit cocktail, both have garnishes of grapefruit
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Looking good!

Overhead view of the cocktail with the twist garnish and chunked and sliced grapefruit with it
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Yum.

Vertical view of the cocktail in the short glass in front of the collins glass. Both are garnished and there is a grapefruit in the background
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

The only thing left, is to pick up the glass and sip. Ahhhhh, refreshing!

I hope you enjoyed this grapefruit Paloma cocktail recipe.

Other cocktails with grapefruit

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

Glass with a grapefruit garnish on the side of the glass with a big grapefruit and slices in the background - square

Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail

This grapefruit Paloma is a refreshing, citrusy cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors with smooth tequila. Light, crisp, and easy to make, it’s the ultimate warm-weather drink—perfect for summer gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: Cocktails
Keyword: grapefruit cocktail, paloma, paloma cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 cocktails
Calories: 174kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces Patron silver tequila
  • 1 ounce lime juice
  • 6 ounces grapefruit juice
  • club soda (a few splashes)(you can also use a grapefruit soda, if you have it)

Garnish

  • grapefruit slice (a quarter)
  • grapefruit twist

Instructions

  • Fill the shaker halfway with ice.
  • Add tequila, lime juice and the grapefruit juice.
    4 ounces Patron silver tequila, 1 ounce lime juice, 6 ounces grapefruit juice
  • Cap shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Add fresh ice to the glasses. Divide and strain between the two glasses. (There should be a 1 – 2 inch gap from the liquid and the top of the glass.
  • Add club soda to fill that gap.
    club soda
  • Add grapefruit slice to the side of the glass or a twist, whichever you prefer.
    grapefruit slice, grapefruit twist
  • Sip, smile, and enjoy.

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Notes

Helpful tips
  • If I’m making one Paloma, I build it in the glass. If I’m making two or more, I combine the first three ingredients in my shaker then strain and divide among the glasses, topping each off with club soda separately. You don’t want to shake soda.
  • I always recommend buying the best alcohol you can afford but because this cocktail calls for fruit juice, it will still taste fine using a brand that isn’t premium or even mid-level.
  • Before I squeeze citrus or use it as garnish, I always wash it. You don’t want to be ingesting pesticides. Here’s how: Squirt some natural, unscented foaming hand soap (I get mine at Whole Foods) in your hand. Take the citrus fruit between your hands and rub the soap all over it. Next, take a vegetable brush and scrub the skin of the fruit. Run under cold water and make sure it is soap free.
  • To garnish, cut a small wedge from a fresh grapefruit and/or use a channeling knife (if you have one) to cut a twist from the circumference of the grapefruit.
  • If you don’t have a channeling knife, cut a grapefruit in half around the equator. Next, cut a thinnish slice. With your knife, cut the flesh out of the round (and eat). Cut a slit in the round, wrap it into a spiral and use a martini pick to hold the spiral together. See photo of finished cocktail below.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may vary based on exact ingredients used. For accuracy, consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 156mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
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This post was first published in July of 2016.

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From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

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12 Comments

  1. Oh Elaine!! The Paloma is one of my favourite hot afternoon cocktails. It’s so refreshing after a bit of gardening work.

  2. Love your Paloma cocktail! 🙂 Fabulous recipe and the perfect way to celebrate 5 o’clock today (and tomorrow, etc.). Thanks so much for this recipe!

5 from 3 votes

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