Citrus-Spiced Paloma with Grapefruit and Tajín

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

A refreshing Paloma cocktail elevated with fresh grapefruit juice and a Tajín rim for a tangy and spicy balance perfect for warm evenings. This cocktails-inspired mexican ready in about 6 minutes pairs tequila blanco, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 0.25 tsp Tajín seasoning and 0.25 tsp kosher salt on a small plate. Moisten the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit wedge, then dip it into the seasoning mix to coat.
  2. Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Add 2 oz tequila blanco, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
  3. Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Step 4: Strain into the prepared highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
  5. Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine without losing carbonation.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with a thin slice of grapefruit placed on the rim for visual appeal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Spiced Paloma with Grapefruit and Tajín take to make?

Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Citrus-Spiced Paloma with Grapefruit and Tajín?

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 tequila blanco from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Spiced Paloma with Grapefruit and Tajín?

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-Spiced Paloma with Grapefruit and Tajín 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-Spiced Paloma with Grapefruit and Tajín?

Cocktails mexican 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.