Discover the Paloma cocktail – Mexico’s most popular tequila-based drink with grapefruit soda & lime. Learn its history, recipe, tips & variations.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.
I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
A Mexican Icon: The Paloma
The Paloma is often called Mexico’s true national cocktail. While the Margarita tends to get more global recognition, locals know that the Paloma is the drink you’ll most likely be handed on a hot day in Jalisco.
Its refreshing mix of tequila, grapefruit soda, lime, and a touch of salt makes it perfect for warm climates, fiestas, and everyday sipping alike.
The Origins of the Paloma
The Paloma’s exact origins remain debated, but most credit its invention to Don Javier Delgado Corona of La Capilla bar in Tequila, Jalisco, in the 1950s.
His goal? To create something less sour than the Margarita but still distinctly Mexican. By blending tequila with grapefruit soda (like Jarritos or Squirt), he crafted a cocktail that was both accessible and endlessly refreshing.
Since then, the Paloma has spread across the world, becoming a staple of tequila culture and a symbol of Mexican hospitality.
Paloma Cocktail Recipe (AU Measurements)
Ingredients (per serve):
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60ml tequila blanco (100% agave recommended)
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15ml freshly squeezed lime juice
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Pinch of salt
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Grapefruit soda (Jarritos, Squirt, or CAPI in Australia)
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Ice cubes
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Grapefruit wedge, to garnish
Method:
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Fill a highball glass with ice.
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Add tequila and lime juice.
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Sprinkle a pinch of salt.
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Top with grapefruit soda.
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Stir gently.
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Garnish with grapefruit wedge.
⚠️ RSA Note: The Paloma is light and refreshing but still spirit-forward. Encourage moderation, especially when serving in pitchers.
Tips for Paloma Perfection
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Choose quality tequila: Brands like Patrón, Don Julio, Espolòn, or Casa Noble elevate the cocktail.
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Always use fresh lime juice: Bottled versions can dull the brightness.
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Mind the salt: A small pinch balances sweetness without overpowering.
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Balance to taste: Adjust ratios — sweeter with more soda, tarter with more lime.
Flavour Profile
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Tequila blanco: earthy, crisp agave bite.
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Grapefruit soda: zesty, sweet, slightly bitter.
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Lime juice: bright acidity.
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Salt: enhances complexity and rounds the edges.
The result is a zesty, citrus-forward cocktail that’s more refreshing than heavy — perfect for sipping all afternoon.
Paloma Variations
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Fresh Grapefruit Paloma: Swap soda for fresh grapefruit juice + soda water.
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Spicy Paloma: Add a slice of jalapeño or a chilli salt rim.
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Smoky Paloma: Use mezcal instead of tequila for earthy depth.
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Frozen Paloma: Blend ingredients with ice for a slushy-style summer treat.
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Non-Alcoholic Paloma: Replace tequila with non-alcoholic agave spirit or sparkling grapefruit soda.
Pairings & Serving Ideas
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Food pairings: Tacos al pastor, ceviche, or grilled seafood.
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Summer brunches: Palomas pair beautifully with citrus-heavy salads or fruit platters.
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Pitcher perfect: Scale up for garden parties — pre-batch tequila + lime, top with soda just before serving.
For a bolder alternative, check out my Sazerac Cocktail — spirit-forward and history-rich. Or, for adventurous palates, the Death Flip Cocktail is a daring Mexican-born modern classic with Fernet Branca and egg yolk.
Amazon & Bar Essentials for the Paloma
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Jarritos Grapefruit Soda: Authentic Mexican flavour.
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CAPI or Bundaberg Grapefruit Soda (AU): Great local substitutes.
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Cocktail highball glasses: Tall and sturdy.
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Tequila & Mezcal cocktail recipe books: Perfect for deeper dives into agave drinks.
The Final Sip
The Paloma is a masterpiece of simplicity: tequila, grapefruit soda, lime, and salt in perfect harmony. It’s a drink that captures the spirit of Mexico — lively, refreshing, and best enjoyed with friends.
Whether you sip it poolside, serve it at a fiesta, or mix one at home for a quiet evening, the Paloma is proof that cocktails don’t need to be complicated to be extraordinary.
The bartending community…
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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