Shaken Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit and Lime

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, bright cocktail combining the zesty bitterness of grapefruit with lively lime and crisp tequila, finished with a salted rim. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 7 minutes pairs blanco 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: 7 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub a grapefruit wedge around the rim of a highball glass and dip into kosher salt to coat evenly; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim. 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 outside of the shaker is frosty.
  4. Step 4: Strain the mixture into the salt-rimmed highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
  5. Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and gently stir once to combine.
  6. Step 6: Garnish by placing a fresh grapefruit wedge on the rim.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Shaken Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit and Lime 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 Shaken Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit and Lime?

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 blanco tequila from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Shaken Tequila 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 Shaken Tequila 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 Shaken Tequila 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.