Herb-Infused Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit

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

A bright and herbaceous Paloma cocktail featuring fresh grapefruit juice and a hint of rosemary for aromatic complexity. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs reposado tequila, 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 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.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 160 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Run a grapefruit wedge around the rim of a highball glass and dip the rim in a shallow plate with a pinch of salt. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  2. Step 2: In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, pour 2 oz reposado tequila, 1 1/2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
  3. Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker is cold.
  4. Step 4: Strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass over the ice.
  5. Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently once with a bar spoon.
  6. Step 6: Garnish by lightly bruising a fresh rosemary sprig between your palms to release aroma and resting it upright alongside a grapefruit wedge on the rim.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit 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 Herb-Infused Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit?

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 reposado tequila from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit?

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 Herb-Infused Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit 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 Herb-Infused Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit?

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.