Build-and-Stir Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit Soda
A lightly bitter and effervescent cocktail mixing tequila with fresh grapefruit juice and soda, served over ice for a refreshing sip. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs blanco tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz blanco tequila
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 2 oz grapefruit soda
- for rimming glass kosher salt
- 1 grapefruit wedge
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit wedge and dip it in kosher salt to coat evenly. Fill the glass with medium-sized ice cubes.
- Step 2: In the glass, pour 1.5 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Step 4: Top with 2 oz chilled grapefruit soda, stirring lightly once more to integrate without losing carbonation.
- Step 5: Garnish by placing the grapefruit wedge on the rim, enhancing aroma and presentation.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Build-and-Stir Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit Soda take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Build-and-Stir Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit Soda?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep blanco tequila from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Build-and-Stir Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit Soda?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Build-and-Stir Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit Soda for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Build-and-Stir Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit Soda?
Cocktails quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
