Citrus-Shaken Paloma with Grapefruit and Lime

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

A refreshing tequila cocktail brightened with fresh grapefruit and lime juices, shaken to a vibrant chill and topped with sparkling soda. This cocktails-inspired quick meals 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 160 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 cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rim a highball glass with coarse salt by rubbing a grapefruit wedge around the edge and dipping it into salt; fill the glass with ice cubes.
  2. Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes, then pour in 2 oz blanco tequila, 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz agave syrup.
  3. Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
  4. Step 4: Strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass over fresh ice.
  5. Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and gently stir once to combine.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with the grapefruit wedge perched on the rim.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Shaken Paloma with Grapefruit and Lime 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-Shaken Paloma with Grapefruit and Lime?

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-Shaken Paloma with Grapefruit and Lime?

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-Shaken Paloma with Grapefruit and Lime 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-Shaken Paloma with Grapefruit and Lime?

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.