The Paloma cocktail, made with tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and soda water, is a timeless classic. But why stick to just one recipe when you can mix things up and try new twists? In this article, we’ll explore 18 refreshing Paloma cocktails that put a spin on the original. From spicy jalapeño to floral lavender honey, these recipes will quench your thirst for something new.
Classic Grapefruit Paloma with Salt Rim is a great place to start – it’s a tried and true recipe that never goes out of style. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chili salt or smoked grapefruit juice to give it an extra kick. And don’t even get us started on the possibilities for flavor combinations…
Classic Grapefruit Paloma with Salt Rim
A refreshing twist on the classic margarita, this grapefruit paloma is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces tequila
• 1 ounce grapefruit juice
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 ounce agave syrup
• Salt, for rimming glass
• Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None needed! Enjoy your delicious paloma.
Spicy Jalapeño Paloma with Chili Salt
A twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, this spicy version adds a bold and fiery kick from jalapeños and chili salt.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1-2 slices of jalapeño pepper (depending on desired level of heat)
– 1/4 teaspoon chili salt
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Add slices of jalapeño pepper to the shaker and muddle gently.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Sprinkle chili salt around the rim of the glass.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail)
Enjoy your Spicy Jalapeño Paloma!
Mezcal Paloma with Smoky Grapefruit
Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky twist on the classic Paloma, featuring grapefruit and mezcal.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 3-4 dashes of grapefruit bitters
– Salt rim for glass (optional)
– Grapefruit slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
4. Add 3-4 dashes of grapefruit bitters.
5. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
6. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
7. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, after all!
Tequila Sunrise Paloma with Grenadine
A twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, this recipe adds a splash of grenadine for a fruity and refreshing touch.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 3 oz soda water
– Slice of lime, for garnish
– Splash of grenadine, for serving
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Top with soda water and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a slice of lime.
5. Serve immediately and add a splash of grenadine for a fruity twist.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just 5 minutes.
Cucumber Mint Paloma for a Cool Twist
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on the classic Paloma cocktail! Cucumber and mint add a cool, revitalizing touch to this citrusy drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce grapefruit juice
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– 1/4 cup cucumber slices (about 1/2 cucumber)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Muddle the cucumber and mint in a cocktail shaker to release their flavors and oils.
3. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
4. Shake until chilled and strain into prepared glass.
5. Garnish with additional cucumber slice and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Blood Orange Paloma with Rosemary Infusion
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this refreshing twist on the classic Paloma, infused with the subtle flavor of rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz blood orange juice
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, blood orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Add a few fresh rosemary sprigs to the shaker and muddle gently to infuse the flavors.
4. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain into the prepared glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Pineapple Coconut Paloma for a Tropical Vibe
Escape to the islands with this refreshing twist on the classic Paloma cocktail. Pineapple and coconut flavors blend perfectly with tequila, lime juice, and a splash of ginger beer.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz coconut cream
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 oz ginger beer
– Ice
– Lime wheel and pineapple wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add tequila, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and lime juice.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and pineapple wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Strawberry Basil Paloma with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your cocktail game with this sweet and tangy Strawberry Basil Paloma, featuring a rich balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz strawberry puree
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, muddled
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Club soda
– Balsamic glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, strawberry puree, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Muddle in the fresh basil leaves.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
5. Strain into the prepared glass.
6. Top with club soda.
7. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the cocktail.
Balsamic Glaze:
Combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally (about 10 minutes). Let cool before using.
Cooking Time: None
Ginger Beer Paloma for Extra Fizz
A twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, this recipe adds a spicy kick with ginger beer and a splash of lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Salt for rimming glass (optional)
– Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice to the shaker.
4. Shake until well combined and chilled.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation)
Lavender Honey Paloma with a Floral Touch
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing Lavender Honey Paloma, featuring the subtle sweetness of lavender honey and the tanginess of grapefruit. This floral twist on the classic Paloma is perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lavender honey syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/4 oz agave nectar
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Fresh rosemary leaves and lavender buds, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lavender honey syrup, lime juice, and agave nectar.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with fresh rosemary leaves and a sprig of lavender.
Cooking Time: None
Charred Grapefruit Paloma with Smoked Salt
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this refreshing twist on a classic paloma cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt for rimming glass (smoked salt recommended)
– Grapefruit slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with smoked salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a charred grapefruit slice or wheel.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 5 minutes
– Cook time: None (cocktail only)
– Total time: 5 minutes
Watermelon Lime Paloma for Summer Sipping
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on the classic Paloma cocktail. This sweet and tangy drink combines the flavors of watermelon, lime, and tequila for a perfect summer sipper.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon puree
– 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
– 1 1/2 ounces tequila
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add watermelon puree, lime juice, tequila, and triple sec to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel or watermelon slice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Blackberry Sage Paloma with Herbal Notes
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Blackberry Sage Paloma, infused with the subtle nuances of herbal notes.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz blackberry puree
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz sage-infused agave nectar (see note)
– Splash of sparkling water
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Fresh sage leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, blackberry puree, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
4. Add sage-infused agave nectar and stir gently.
5. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh sage leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-15 seconds (shaking time) + serving preparation
Herbal Notes: To create the sage-infused agave nectar, combine 1/4 cup agave nectar with 2 tablespoons dried sage leaves in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat for 5 minutes, or until the mixture is fragrant and syrupy. Let cool before using.
Spiced Pear Paloma with Cinnamon Rim
A refreshing twist on the classic margarita, this Spiced Pear Paloma combines the sweetness of pears with the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, diced
– 1 1/2 ounces tequila
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– 1/4 ounce triple sec
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with cinnamon.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and triple sec.
3. Add diced pears to the shaker and muddle gently.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
5. Strain into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Passionfruit Mango Paloma with Tajín
Discover the sweet and tangy flavors of Mexico with this refreshing Passionfruit Mango Paloma, elevated by a spicy kick from Tajín.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz passionfruit puree
– 1 oz mango puree
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Tajín seasoning blend (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, passionfruit puree, mango puree, lime juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
7. Sprinkle Tajín seasoning blend on top (optional) for an added spicy kick.
Cooking Time: None, this is a cocktail recipe!
Elderflower Paloma with a Floral Finish
Elderflower Paloma with a Floral Finish Recipe
Summary: This refreshing cocktail combines the sweet and floral flavors of elderflower liqueur, tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer for a unique and revitalizing drink. To take it to the next level, add a splash of lavender syrup for a subtle floral finish.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz tequila
– 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 oz)
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Splash of lavender syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add tequila, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
6. If desired, add a splash of lavender syrup for a subtle floral finish.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a drink, not a dish.
Enjoy your Elderflower Paloma with a Floral Finish!
Pomegranate Paloma with a Tart Kick
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of pomegranate juice with the tanginess of lime and grapefruit, perfect for a warm evening or a celebratory toast.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
– 1/2 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Slice of lime and pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add tequila, lime juice, pomegranate juice, grapefruit juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime and pomegranate seeds.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Vanilla Bean Paloma for a Sweet Twist
Sweet Twist: Vanilla Bean Paloma Recipe
A twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, this recipe adds a touch of sweetness and creamy texture with vanilla bean-infused simple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1/4 oz vanilla bean-infused simple syrup (see below)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Vanilla Bean-Infused Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and vanilla bean-infused simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain into prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (as this is a cocktail recipe)
Summary
Get ready to shake things up with these 18 refreshing Paloma cocktail recipes, each with its own unique twist! From classic grapefruit to spicy jalapeño and smoky mezcal, discover a world of flavor combinations that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and fruity or bold and savory, there’s a Paloma recipe here for you. With ingredients like cucumber mint, blood orange, and pineapple coconut, these drinks are perfect for any occasion.
