Tequila Citrus Paloma with Grapefruit Soda
A vibrant and effervescent Paloma cocktail combining tequila and fresh lime with tangy grapefruit soda for a perfect balance of sweet and tart. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, grapefruit soda 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 160 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3 oz grapefruit soda
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- for rimming coarse salt
- 1 slice lime wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a highball glass and dip it into coarse salt to coat the edge evenly.
- Step 2: Fill the glass with ice cubes to the top.
- Step 3: Pour 2 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz agave syrup into the glass.
- Step 4: Top with 3 oz chilled grapefruit soda and stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 5: Garnish by floating a lime wheel on the surface and optionally adding a small sprig of fresh thyme for aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tequila Citrus Paloma with Grapefruit Soda take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Tequila Citrus Paloma with Grapefruit Soda?
Refrigerate any leftover tequila citrus paloma with grapefruit soda 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 Tequila Citrus Paloma with Grapefruit Soda?
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 Tequila Citrus Paloma with Grapefruit Soda 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 Tequila Citrus Paloma with Grapefruit Soda?
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.
