Citrus-Infused Tequila Paloma on the Rocks

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant and tangy Paloma cocktail balancing tequila’s earthiness with fresh grapefruit and lime, served over ice for a refreshing finish. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes blends blanco tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice into a quick blender drink — a fast breakfast, a pre-workout pour, or an afternoon energy boost, with nothing to wash up but the pitcher. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it works as a grab-and-go breakfast, a post-gym refuel, or a snack that holds you to the next meal. 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.

Prep: 7 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Beverages cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit wedge, then dip into kosher salt to coat evenly. Fill the glass with large ice cubes.
  2. Step 2: In a shaker, combine 2 oz blanco tequila, 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over the ice.
  4. Step 4: Top with 2 oz club soda gently to maintain fizz.
  5. Step 5: Garnish by placing the grapefruit wedge on the rim for a burst of color and aroma.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Infused Tequila Paloma on the Rocks take to make?

Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Almost all of that is prep — once everything is in the blender it is under a minute to smooth. Portion the fruit into freezer bags ahead so mornings are just dump-and-blend.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Infused Tequila Paloma on the Rocks?

Smoothies are best within a few minutes of blending, but they keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours — fill it to the top so there is no air gap and shake before drinking, since separation is normal. For longer storage, freeze in an ice-cube tray and re-blend with a splash of liquid. Never reheat.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Tequila Paloma on the Rocks?

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 Citrus-Infused Tequila Paloma on the Rocks 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 Citrus-Infused Tequila Paloma on the Rocks?

Cocktails & Beverages cocktails & drinks 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.