Paloma Guide – Tequila, Grapefruit and the Right Balance

The Paloma is a fresh tequila long drink with grapefruit, lime, bubbles and often a touch of salt. It should taste lively and refreshing, not like sweet soda with tequila.

Simple Paloma recipe

• 50 ml blanco tequila
• 15–20 ml fresh lime juice
• 100–150 ml grapefruit soda
• a small pinch of salt or optional salt rim
• plenty of ice

Fill a highball glass well with ice, add tequila and lime, top with grapefruit soda and stir briefly.

Fresh grapefruit or soda?

Grapefruit soda is the quick classic. To control sweetness yourself, use fresh grapefruit juice, a little syrup and soda. Monin Grapefruit Purée can create a more fruit-forward variation, but dose carefully.

Salt in a Paloma

A small amount of salt can enhance citrus and soften perceived bitterness. A half salt rim lets the guest choose.

Which glass?

A tall 300–450 ml glass leaves room for ice and soda. The Remy Savage Highball 33 cl or our highball and long drink glasses are good options.

How much ice?

Fill the glass generously. Too little ice warms the drink faster and gives less consistent dilution. Read how much ice should go in a cocktail?.

Pink grapefruit syrup?

Yes, especially as a flavour adjustment or in an alcohol-free version. Monin Pink Grapefruit Syrup adds clear sweetness, so reduce other sweet ingredients.

FAQ

Is a Paloma a Margarita?

No. Both use tequila and citrus, but a Paloma is normally a sparkling grapefruit long drink.

Can Paloma be alcohol-free?

Yes. Grapefruit, lime, soda, optional syrup and salt work without tequila.