Fresh Paloma recipe
The Paloma made with fresh grapefruit — no soda needed when the fruit is this good.
Method: Shake & Top ·
Glass: Highball glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Highball Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blanco Tequila
- 1.5 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
- 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Agave Syrup
- Top Club Soda
- Pinch Salt
How to make a Fresh Paloma
- Rim a highball glass with salt.
- Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and a pinch of salt to a shaker with ice.
- Shake for 10 seconds.
- Strain into the salt-rimmed glass over fresh ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Garnish
Grapefruit wedge and salt rim.
Pro tip
The pinch of salt in the drink itself (not just the rim) is the secret — it suppresses bitterness and amplifies the grapefruit's sweetness. Pink grapefruit works best for color and flavor balance.
History of the Fresh Paloma
While the traditional Paloma uses grapefruit soda (Squirt or Jarritos), this fresh version has become the standard in craft cocktail bars. It lets the quality of the tequila and fresh citrus shine through.
Flavour profile
Citrus, Bitter, Salty, Refreshing
Variations
- Mezcal Paloma — Use mezcal for smoky grapefruit
- Spicy Fresh Paloma — Muddle jalapeño and add Tajín rim
- Paloma Rosa — Add a splash of cranberry for pink color
Practise making the Fresh Paloma in the free Virtual Bar game.