Island Sunset Paloma

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

A tropical spin on the classic Paloma combining fresh grapefruit and a splash of tropical fruit for a sunset-hued delight. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together blanco tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, tropical guava nectar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 175 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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 175 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rim a highball glass with fresh lime juice and dip it into coarse salt to coat the edge.
  2. Step 2: Fill the glass with ice cubes to the top.
  3. Step 3: In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, pour 2 oz blanco tequila, 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 1 oz tropical guava nectar, and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice.
  4. Step 4: Shake gently for 10 seconds to combine and chill.
  5. Step 5: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
  6. Step 6: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge placed on the rim.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Island Sunset Paloma take to make?

Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Island Sunset Paloma?

Refrigerate any leftover island sunset paloma in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Island Sunset Paloma?

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 Island Sunset Paloma 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 Island Sunset Paloma?

Cocktails 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.