Tamarind Tequila Paloma

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tangy and slightly sweet Paloma variation with tart tamarind syrup adding complexity to the classic grapefruit and tequila mix. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together reposado tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, tamarind syrup 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 170 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: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Beverages cuisine 170 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rim a highball glass with fresh lime juice and dip into coarse salt to coat the edge; fill the glass with ice cubes.
  2. Step 2: In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice cubes, pour 2 oz reposado tequila, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 3/4 oz tamarind syrup, and 1/2 oz fresh lime juice.
  3. Step 3: Shake vigorously for 10 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Step 4: Strain into the prepared glass over the ice.
  5. Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently once to combine.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with a thin grapefruit wheel perched on the rim.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind Tequila Paloma take to make?

Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Tamarind Tequila Paloma?

Refrigerate any leftover tamarind tequila 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 Tamarind Tequila 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 Tamarind Tequila 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 Tamarind Tequila Paloma?

Cocktails & Beverages 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.