The short answer: this easy paloma recipe is 2 ounces of blanco tequila, ½ ounce of fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt in an ice-filled tall glass, topped with 4 to 5 ounces of grapefruit soda. Stir once, add a lime wedge and serve.
- Key numbers: 2 oz tequila · ½ oz lime · 4 to 5 oz grapefruit soda · about 1.3 standard drinks · pitcher for 8 = 2 cups tequila
- For adults 21+ only. Pour measured drinks and offer an alcohol-free paloma too
- Free and paid next step: get the free holiday budget starter kit (we email it to you), or plan the party with the Christmas Budget & Gift Planner ($4.99).
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This paloma recipe, its variations and the serving notes were checked November 4, 2026. The sections below cover ingredients, the classic method, a fresh grapefruit version, a pitcher for a crowd, a mocktail and responsible serving.
Paloma ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blanco tequila | 2 ounces | 100 percent agave tastes cleanest |
| Fresh lime juice | ½ ounce | About half a lime |
| Salt | A pinch, plus more for the rim | Coarse or flaky salt |
| Grapefruit soda | 4 to 5 ounces, cold | Any grapefruit soda from the grocery store |
| Ice | To fill a tall glass | |
| Lime or grapefruit wedge | 1 | Garnish |
How to make a paloma
- Rim the glass. Run a lime wedge around half the rim of a highball glass and dip it in salt.
- Build. Fill the glass with ice. Add the tequila, lime juice and a tiny pinch of salt.
- Top. Pour in the grapefruit soda until the glass is full.
- Stir once. A single gentle stir keeps the bubbles.
- Garnish. Add a lime or grapefruit wedge and serve right away.
Fresh grapefruit paloma
If you have ripe grapefruit, this version tastes brighter and less sweet.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Blanco tequila | 2 ounces |
| Fresh grapefruit juice | 2 ounces |
| Fresh lime juice | ½ ounce |
| Agave syrup or simple syrup | ½ ounce |
| Club soda | About 2 ounces |
Shake the tequila, juices and syrup with ice, strain into an ice-filled glass with a salted rim and top with club soda.
Medicine note: grapefruit can change how some prescription drugs work. The FDA explains that grapefruit juice and some drugs don't mix, so guests who take medicine may want to ask a pharmacist.
Paloma variations
- Spicy paloma: muddle 2 thin jalapeño slices with the lime, or use a chili-salt rim.
- Mezcal paloma: swap half or all of the tequila for mezcal for a smoky drink.
- Reposado paloma: a rounder, slightly oaky version that suits cooler months.
- Rosemary paloma: add a rosemary sprig for a holiday look.
- Frozen paloma: blend tequila, grapefruit juice, lime and agave with ice.
Palomas for a crowd
A pitcher means you can enjoy the party instead of tending bar. For 8 drinks:
- Stir 2 cups (16 ounces) of tequila, ½ cup of fresh lime juice and ½ teaspoon of salt in a pitcher. Chill.
- Keep 5 cups (40 ounces) of grapefruit soda cold and unopened until serving.
- Pour 2½ ounces of the base into each ice-filled glass and top with soda so it stays fizzy.
Serve them with food that loves citrus, like Mexican street corn, taco salad and other easy appetizers. For winter parties, our Christmas cocktails and New Year's Eve party ideas have more drinks and menus.
Alcohol-free paloma
Fill a salted-rim glass with ice, add 1 ounce of fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt and top with grapefruit soda or a mix of grapefruit juice and sparkling water. It looks and tastes like the real thing, so guests who do not drink feel included.
Responsible serving, 21+
Palomas are for guests 21 and older. Tequila at 80 proof means 1.5 ounces equals one drink by the NIAAA standard drink definition of roughly 14 grams of alcohol. Pour 2 ounces and each glass counts as about 1.3 drinks. For adults who choose to drink, CDC moderate drinking guidance sets the daily limit at 2 for men and 1 for women. Pregnant guests and anyone under 21 should skip alcohol.
- Tall drinks go down fast, so keep the tequila measured with a jigger.
- Set the alcohol-free palomas right next to the real ones.
- Close the bar an hour or so early and line up safe rides home.
Palomas on a party budget
Palomas are one of the cheaper cocktails to serve because they use a single spirit. For an adults-only party option alongside mixed drinks, plan party Jello shots and label them clearly.
- Count bottles: a 750 ml bottle of tequila pours about 12 palomas at 2 ounces each.
- Buy limes and soda in bulk and skip extra liqueurs entirely.
- Price it with the food: use our holiday budget guide and the holiday party planning checklist to fit drinks into the total.
Plan your next get-together
- Christmas Budget & Gift Planner, $4.99. Set a party budget, then plan the menu and shopping on matching pages.
- Holiday Season Bundle, $15.99 (
$25.94bought separately). Six holiday printables, including a hosting meal planner and a sinking funds tracker. - Meal Planner & Grocery List, $3.99. Weekly menus and a grocery list sorted by aisle.
See all of our seasonal printables in the holiday shop.
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Frequently asked questions
What is in a classic paloma recipe? A classic paloma recipe uses 2 ounces of blanco tequila, ½ ounce of fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt, topped with about 4 to 5 ounces of grapefruit soda over ice in a tall glass with a salted rim.
What is the best tequila for a paloma? Blanco tequila made from 100 percent agave is the classic pick because its bright, peppery flavor works with grapefruit. Reposado gives a rounder, slightly oaky paloma, and mezcal makes a smoky version.
Can I make a paloma with fresh grapefruit juice? Yes, you can make a paloma with fresh grapefruit juice. Use 2 ounces of tequila, 2 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice, ½ ounce of lime juice and ½ ounce of agave syrup over ice, then top it with about 2 ounces of club soda.
What is the difference between a paloma and a margarita? A margarita is tequila, lime and orange liqueur shaken and served on ice or up. A paloma is tequila, lime and grapefruit topped with soda, so it is taller, fizzier and usually lighter and less sweet.
Why do you put salt in a paloma? A pinch of salt or a salted rim softens grapefruit's bitterness and makes the citrus taste brighter. Many bartenders add a tiny pinch to the drink itself and rim only half the glass.
How many standard drinks are in a paloma? A paloma with 2 ounces of 80-proof tequila holds about 1.3 U.S. standard drinks, because one standard drink equals 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits according to NIAAA.
How do you make a pitcher of palomas? For 8 drinks, mix 2 cups of tequila, ½ cup of fresh lime juice and ½ teaspoon of salt in a pitcher and chill. Pour 2½ ounces into each ice-filled glass and top with about 5 ounces of grapefruit soda.
How can I plan party drinks into a holiday budget? The Christmas Budget & Gift Planner ($4.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. includes holiday budget, menu and grocery pages, so tequila, mixers and food are planned and priced before you shop.
Is there a bundle for holiday hosting and spending? Yes, the HomeBase Paper Co. Holiday Season Bundle plans holiday meals, hosting and spending in one set. The Holiday Season Bundle ($15.99, $25.94 bought separately) from HomeBase Paper Co. includes the Christmas budget and gift planner, a meal planner for hosting and four more holiday money printables.
What printable helps with a party shopping list? The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. includes an aisle-sorted grocery list and a pantry inventory, so limes, soda, ice and snacks all land on one list.
Sources
- NIAAA: What is a standard drink? niaaa.nih.gov
- CDC: About moderate alcohol use cdc.gov
- FDA: Grapefruit juice and some drugs don't mix fda.gov