Grapefruit Paloma

A Light and Refreshing Summer Tequila Cocktail

It’s completely redundant to call this a grapefruit paloma. All palomas are made with grapefruit. If you’ve ever had this refreshing cocktail, you know it’s either made with grapefruit soda or fresh grapefruit juice. It’s a light, bright and lower calorie cocktail that’s perfect for summer poolside celebrations.

I like to make this citrus refresher with silver tequila, but you can definitely use a smokier mescal or reposado. If you have a cocktail shaker, start by filling it with ice, the juice and agave. Shake it up like it’s your job so you get those good shards of ice. Pour into a cocktail glass, with or without the rim coated in salt, but leave room for tequila and club soda. Give it a stir and you’re good to go.

Garnish your glass with a wedge of grapefruit or lime and give it a nice long sip. We made these at my first cooking retreat at The Vintage Round Top, which kicked off the beginning of an epic night. If you make these this summer, post a photo and tag me. I love to share what you’re making from my site. Cheers to summer!

Print Recipe

Grapefruit Paloma

If you're looking for a low-calorie, refreshing summer cocktail look no further. This version is adapted from a Bon Appetit recipe, traditional Mexican versions are sometimes made with grapefruit soda. I prefer this version and try to use fresh squeezed juice.

Prep Time2 mins

Total Time2 mins

Course: Cocktail

Servings: 1 serving

Author: Marcia W. Smart

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1 grapefruit wedge
• 1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar
• Ice
• 1/4 cup tequila or mescal
• 1/4 cup club soda or sparkling water

Instructions

• Pour about 1/4 cup kosher salt on a plate. Rub the rim of a highball glass with the grapefruit wedge; dip rim of glass in salt.
• Combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave and ice in cocktail shaker; mix well. Pour into a cocktail glass, only filling 3/4 of the way full.
• Stir in tequila and top off with club soda. Place the grapefruit wedge on the rim of the glass.