Za'atar-Spiced Paloma with Grapefruit and Tequila

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

A refreshing twist on the classic Paloma cocktail featuring za'atar spice blended with grapefruit soda and tequila. This middle eastern-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together blanco tequila, fresh grapefruit 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 150 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: 5 min Serves 1 Middle Eastern cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub the rim of a highball glass with a lime wedge and dip it into 1 tsp coarse salt mixed with 1 tsp za'atar seasoning to coat the rim evenly.
  2. Step 2: Fill the glass with 1 cup ice cubes. In a shaker, combine 2 oz blanco tequila, 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice, and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice. Shake gently for 10 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass and top with 3 oz grapefruit soda. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with 1 grapefruit slice on the rim before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Za'atar-Spiced Paloma with Grapefruit and Tequila 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 Za'atar-Spiced Paloma with Grapefruit and Tequila?

Refrigerate any leftover za'atar-spiced paloma with grapefruit and tequila 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 Za'atar-Spiced Paloma with Grapefruit and Tequila?

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 Za'atar-Spiced Paloma with Grapefruit and Tequila 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 Za'atar-Spiced Paloma with Grapefruit and Tequila?

Middle Eastern 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.

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