Paloma Cocktail

Paloma Cocktail

While the classic margarita may get all the attention stateside, the paloma (its pink-hued cousin) deserves its fair share of the spotlight. It’s certainly beloved here at Delish, with one of our food editors calling it “dangerously drinkable” after just one sip. Along with its sweet, citrus-y flavor, the paloma is also perfectly simple to create, making it an ideal low-lift summer cocktail.

Not counting ice and salt, all you need are 5 ingredients: tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and club soda. Even if you’re not a grapefruit lover, don’t be scared off just yet—this paloma hits the perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors, promising to convert even the staunchest grapefruit haters. Read on for everything you need to know on perfecting this simple, refreshing Mexican classic:

The difference between a margarita and a paloma.
Besides salt and ice, a classic margarita includes 3 key ingredients: lime juice, tequila, and triple sec. Alternatively, a paloma ditches the triple sec and adds grapefruit soda (or grapefruit juice and club soda, like this recipe) instead. The result is a cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and sour, and packs a citrus kick that a classic marg lacks.

All about the soda. 
Though traditionally a paloma features a grapefruit soda like Squirt or Jarritos, we didn’t love how overly syrupy those options can be. To control the sweetness of our cocktail, we swapped out the grapefruit soda for grapefruit juice, club soda, and simple syrup. If you prefer your paloma more or less sweet, feel free to experiment with the amount of simple syrup added to find your ideal level.

The best tequila for a paloma.
There’s a lot of tequila out there, and not all are created equal. If you’re looking for the best type of tequila to use for your paloma, blanco is most commonly used, but you can also use reposado if you’re looking to add a smooth, almost caramel-like flavor to your cocktail. Can’t get enough of mezcal? Use it instead to add some smoky, earthy flavors to this sweet citrus drink.