Mexican Paloma Twist

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

A modern take on the classic Paloma featuring a splash of grapefruit and a touch of agave sweetness, perfect for fans of elevated Mexican flavors. This cocktails-inspired mexican ready in about 7 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 190 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: 7 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub a grapefruit wedge around the rim of a highball glass and dip the rim into kosher salt to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Fill the glass with large ice cubes to chill.
  3. Step 3: In a shaker filled halfway with ice, pour 2 oz tequila blanco, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz agave syrup.
  4. Step 4: Shake vigorously for 10 seconds until well combined and chilled.
  5. Step 5: Strain into the prepared glass over the ice.
  6. Step 6: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with the grapefruit wedge perched on the rim and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mexican Paloma Twist take to make?

Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Mexican Paloma Twist?

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 Mexican Paloma Twist?

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 Mexican Paloma Twist 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 Mexican Paloma Twist?

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.