Paloma
A long, grapefruit forward tequila highball that drinks bright and mineral.
Base spirit
Tequila
Style
Highball
Glassware
Highball glass
Technique
Build
The Paloma pairs tequila with grapefruit and lime in a tall, effervescent highball. Built directly in the glass, it relies on cold carbonation and a pinch of salt to sharpen citrus and agave notes. Fresh juice and soda yield a drier style, while Mexican grapefruit sodas give a sweeter profile. Modern historians describe it as a mid twentieth century Mexican classic long before its international rise.
Ingredients
Servings
- • 2 oz tequila
- • 2 oz grapefruit juice
- • 0.5 oz lime juice
- • 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional)
- • 2–3 oz soda water
- • Pinch of salt
- • Grapefruit wedge
Did you know?
“PunchDrink highlights regional grapefruit sodas’ role in defining the Paloma.”
Source:PunchDrink archives
Bartender's Note
A pinch of salt enhances bitterness and sweetness.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the Paloma
- 1Salt rim.
- 2Add ice.
- 3Add ingredients.
- 4Stir.
- 5Top with soda.
- 6Garnish.
