Paloma Cocktail Recipe
This Paloma cocktail features fresh grapefruit juice and lime juice, tequila blanco and honey simple syrup with a splash of sparkling water. Light and refreshing, it goes down easy.
How to Make the Best Paloma Cocktail
The Paloma is Mexico’s other beloved tequila cocktail—and many would argue it’s even more popular than the margarita south of the border. This refreshing drink combines the bright, bitter notes of fresh grapefruit with smooth tequila blanco and a touch of sweetness from honey simple syrup.
What sets this Paloma recipe apart is the homemade honey simple syrup infused with bay leaves. It adds a subtle herbal complexity that elevates the cocktail beyond the typical versions made with agave or plain sugar. The salt-and-sugar rim provides the perfect balance, enhancing the grapefruit’s natural flavors while adding a pleasant texture to each sip.
Light, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing, this Paloma is perfect for warm afternoons, backyard gatherings, or anytime you want a sophisticated yet easy-to-make cocktail. The sparkling mineral water adds just enough effervescence to make it dangerously drinkable.
Paloma Cocktail
This Paloma cocktail features fresh grapefruit juice and lime juice, tequila blanco and honey simple syrup with a splash of sparkling water. Light and refreshing, it goes down easy.
Ingredients
Honey Simple Syrup
Paloma Cocktail
Garnish
Instructions
Honey Simple Syrup
- Mix one part honey with one part water in a small pot over medium-low heat (for example, 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup water).
- Optional: Add a couple of bay leaves and let this infuse for 30 minutes or overnight for extra flavor.
Paloma Cocktail
- Mix one part salt and one part sugar for the rim. Place on a plate or shallow bowl.
- Rub the rim of the glass with a grapefruit or lime wedge, then dip in the salt/sugar mixture to coat. Fill the glass with ice.
- Place ice in a cocktail shaker. Add the grapefruit juice, lime juice, tequila, and honey simple syrup. Shake to combine.
- Pour into the ice-filled glass and top with sparkling mineral water.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a fresh bay leaf. Enjoy!
Notes
- The honey simple syrup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a sweeter rim, use more sugar than salt in the mixture.
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor compared to store-bought.
