Tequila Lime Paloma Cocktail with Grapefruit and Salt Rim
A refreshing tequila cocktail balanced with tart grapefruit juice and bright lime, served over ice with a salted rim perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 5 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- for rimming glass kosher salt
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 for garnish grapefruit wedge
- 1 for garnish lime wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit wedge, then dip the rim into kosher salt spread on a small plate to coat evenly; fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz blanco tequila, 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup; fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 3: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over the ice.
- Step 4: Top off with 2 oz club soda to add effervescence and gently stir once to combine.
- Step 5: Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a lime wheel on the rim and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tequila Lime Paloma Cocktail with Grapefruit and Salt Rim take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Tequila Lime Paloma Cocktail with Grapefruit and Salt Rim?
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 Tequila Lime Paloma Cocktail with Grapefruit and Salt Rim?
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 Lime Paloma Cocktail with Grapefruit and Salt Rim 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 Lime Paloma Cocktail with Grapefruit and Salt Rim?
Mexican cinco de mayo 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family enjoyed it so much we made it for dinner. The balance of sweet and tangy is just right.
- ★★★★★
A classic with a twist. The salt rim elevates the whole drink. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
Loved how refreshing this cocktail is. The tequila flavor comes through without being overpowering.
