The Paloma is a refreshing and effortless highball cocktail that has become a rising star on the global cocktail scene. Originating from Mexico, this tequila-based delight features the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and bitter notes, making it an ideal choice for warm weather sipping and social gatherings.

Key Takeaways:

• Surging Popularity: The Paloma is more popular in Mexico than the Margarita and is now trending worldwide, with a 57% increase in U.S. restaurant menu appearances over the past four years.
• Tequila Boom: The Paloma’s rise is driven by the growing interest in tequila and mezcal, with 77% of bartenders now preferring tequila and 66% opting for mezcal.
• Bitter Grapefruit Appeal: The Paloma’s popularity also reflects the broader craze for bitter grapefruit flavours, driven by the success of the Aperol Spritz.
• Lower-Alcohol Appeal: The Paloma’s sessionable nature (around 10-12% ABV) makes it an attractive choice for earlier socialising.
• Global Reach: Greeks search for the Paloma the most worldwide, and Bacardi is investing heavily in promoting “Paloma weeks” to further drive its growth.

The Classic Easy Paloma Recipe

To create a classic Paloma at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 oz blanco tequila (such as PATRÓN Silver or El Jimador)
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 2 oz sparkling water or grapefruit soda (e.g., Jarritos, Squirt)
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/4 oz agave nectar or simple syrup (to taste)
• Coarse sea salt or Tajín for the rim
• Ice

To prepare, rim a highball glass with the salt or Tajín, mix all the ingredients over ice, and stir gently. This classic Paloma recipe clocks in at 202 calories, 21g carbs, and 9g sugar per serving.

Pitcher Recipe for Parties

For a larger batch to serve 9-10 people, you can use the following ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups tequila
• 2 1/4 cups fresh grapefruit juice
• 2 1/4 cups sparkling water
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp simple syrup (60 oz total for 9 servings)

Alternatively, you can use 20 oz tequila, 25 oz grapefruit soda, and 20 key limes (muddled with 2 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt) to make 10 servings.

Variations and Twists

To add some extra flair to your Paloma, you can try the following variations:

• Add a mezcal splash for a smoky note
• Use a chili salt or Tajín rim for a spicy kick
• Opt for a reposado tequila to introduce an oak hint
• Muddle key limes and Himalayan salt, then shake for 5 seconds
• Go for a half-salt rim instead of a full rim

When it comes to premium tequila options, consider PATRÓN Silver, PATRÓN Reposado, or PATRÓN Añejo, all of which are 40% ABV and available in a range of sizes from 50ml to 1.75L.

Tequila Recommendations

For the best Paloma experience, opt for a 100% Blue Weber Agave tequila, such as:

• PATRÓN Silver (blanco, 40% ABV)
• PATRÓN Reposado (aged 4+ months, oak hint)
• El Jimador (blanco)

Nutrition and Pairing Tips

The Paloma is a low-ABV, sessionable cocktail, with each serving containing 202 calories, 21g carbs, 9g sugar, 39mg Vitamin C, and 4g of fiber. This makes it an excellent choice for brunch or Mexican food pairings.

So, whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking to enjoy a refreshing and authentic Mexican beverage, the classic Paloma is a delightful option that’s sure to impress.

Sources:
Love and Lemons – Paloma Cocktail Recipe[1]
Oh Bev – Trending Cocktails 2025[2]
PATRÓN Silver – Paloma Cocktail Recipe[3]
The Spirits Business – Bacardi to ‘invest heavily’ behind Palomas[4]
Stellan Spice – The BEST Paloma Cocktail Recipe (From a Former Bartender)[5]
Greece Is – Greeks Everywhere: “Who Wants a Paloma?”[6]
YouTube – How to make the classic Paloma[7]
Asian Trader – Time to swap Margaritas for Palomas[8]
Beverage Daily – Tequila cocktail trends: spicy margaritas & more[9]
VinePair – The VinePair Podcast: How Big Can the Paloma Get?[10]
Steve the Barman – The Paloma: is it the next BIG thing?[11]
Ground Signal – The Rise of Palomas[12]
Nation’s Restaurant News – The Paloma, where tequila and grapefruit meet[13]

Jack Lafferty

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