This Grapefruit Pink Paloma Cocktail is a vibrant, refreshing twist on Mexico’s beloved cocktail that’s both effortless to make and stunning to serve. This four-ingredient wonder combines zesty pink grapefruit soda with smooth tequila for a drink that’s guaranteed to brighten any happy hour!
Somehow this paloma cocktail manages to be both sophisticated and totally laid back at the same time! The pink grapefruit soda adds this gorgeous blush color and the perfect balance of sweet and tart, while the tequila brings that classic warmth we all love. If you love the flavors of grapefruit, you are going to enjoy this cocktail!
Palomas are incredibly easy to customize to your taste (want it sweeter? Just add a splash of agave!), and they look absolutely gorgeous in the glass, thanks to that bright pink color. Plus, it’s SO much more interesting than a basic margarita, but just as easy to make. I love serving these at brunches or summer gatherings – they always get tons of compliments!
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make my easy paloma cocktail right at home:
- Grapefruit Soda: The star of the show! Look for a quality brand like Fever-Tree or Q Mixers for the best flavor. The natural grapefruit taste really makes a difference!
- Tequila: Choose a 100% agave silver tequila for the cleanest, crispest taste.
- Lime Juice: Always use fresh lime juice! The bright acidity balances the soda and complements the tequila well.
- Ice: Add ice to taste.
Substitutions & Additions
Since this paloma cocktail recipe uses so few ingredients, I wouldn’t change the recipe too much. However, here are some substitutions and additions you can try!
- Replace regular tequila with mezcal for a smoky twist.
- Try different grapefruit sodas – Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, and Jarritos each bring their own unique flavor profile!
- Add a splash of fresh grapefruit juice alongside the soda for an extra citrus punch.
- Create a salt rim with pink Himalayan salt for an added touch of flavor and more pink color!
How to Make a Grapefruit Pink Paloma Cocktail
- Combine Ingredients & Serve: Pour the Pink Grapefruit Soda, tequila, and lime juice into a glass and stir. Add ice and give one final stir. Garnish with a grapefruit slice if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Paloma Cocktail
- Chill your grapefruit soda beforehand for the best fizz and flavor!
- Palomas are usually served in tall glasses! I like to serve them in tall glasses to show off the color and have plenty of room to add ice.
- Make sure to add the ice last to maintain the carbonation of the soda. The ice will water the cocktail down as it sits, so don’t add it too soon.
- If adding simple syrup or agave, start with just 1/4 ounce and adjust to taste!
Serving Suggestions
Paloma cocktails are often served with breakfast or brunch, so I recommend serving them along with your brunch favorites like a mushroom and spinach quiche, ham and egg breakfast pot pie, or a breakfast burrito!
This pink paloma recipe would also be delicious and refreshing with an appetizer spread of mango habanero salsa, white queso with tortilla chips, and easy smoked jalapeño poppers! Since this is a classic Mexican cocktail, it always pairs well with light, fresh Mexican dishes, too. Serve it alongside baja fish tacos or a fresh street corn salad.
Keep in mind that this recipe only makes one cocktail! Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe depending on how many people you are serving.
More Recipes to Try
Pink Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail
This Grapefruit Pink Paloma Cocktail is a vibrant, refreshing twist on Mexico's beloved cocktail that's both effortless to make and stunning to serve. This four-ingredient wonder combines zesty pink grapefruit soda with smooth tequila for a drink that's guaranteed to brighten any happy hour!
Ingredients
- 4 ounces grapefruit soda
- 2 ounces tequila blanca
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 2/3 cup ice
Instructions
- Pour the Pink Grapefruit Soda, tequila, and lime juice into a glass and stir. Add ice and give one final stir. Garnish with a grapefruit slice if desired. Enjoy!