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How to make a Paloma

A paloma is a tequila-based drink with grapefruit and some bubbles. Here's an easy way to make a low-sugar version.

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I am a total margarita lover.

Being in Texas and having Tex-Mex right around the corner makes it my drink of choice year-round.

But when I heard about the margarita’s cousin, the Paloma, I had to learn how to make the best one.

I think I’ve gotten it! I’m going to teach you how to make a Paloma. I hope you’re ready because this drink is simple and wild!

What is a Paloma?

I mentioned earlier that it’s like a cousin to the margarita.

The Paloma is tequila-based, like a margarita. 

Instead of lime juice being the focus of the drink, grapefruit is the star of the show.

The freshness of the citrus is so wonderful, and with grapefruit being sweet and tart, you get this refreshing mixture that soothes the soul.

Most commonly, Paloma’s are made by mixing tequila with a grapefruit-flavored soda such as Fresca, Squirt, or Jarritos and served on the rocks with a lime wedge.

Of course, mine comes with a twist!

How to make a Paloma

As with everything I do, I’m always aiming to cut down the amount of sugar in my cocktails.

I want to maintain good blood sugar and do the right things for my body, so I make my Paloma’s differently.

One thing I do for flavor is to add Swoon Margarita Cocktail Mixer for some extra flavor to my drink. It’s really delicious.

Swoon is just right, and it is a zero-calorie and low carb option for people who want to watch their macros, but still have a good drink (hint: that’s me).

Check out my recipe below for the best paloma you’ll ever have.

This has been a recent discovery for me, and a favorite lately! I hope you enjoy it just as much. If you like cocktails, visit my cocktail recipes page for more ideas!

Paloma Recipe

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Paloma


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Description

A sweet and tart Paloma recipe without a ton of added sugar. 


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup Grapefruit Juice
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
  • 1 1/2 ounces tequila
  • 2 ounces Swoon Margarita
  • 46 ounces of Sparkling Mineral Water (I use Topo Chico)
  • 1 Lemon Wedge for decoration
  • Rock Salt to Rim the glass.
  • 1/2 cup Ice
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Instructions

  1. Add your Ice, Tequila, Grapefruit Juice, Margarita Mixer and Lime Juice into your cocktail shaker.
  2. Shake until the mixture is slightly frothy and well incorporated.
  3. Take your sliced lime wedge for decoration, and use it to coat the top of your glass.
  4. Dip the glass in rock salt, and coat the sides for decoration.
  5. Add in your mixed cocktail and top with Sparkling Water.
  6. Enjoy.
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 minute
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Mixed
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8oz
  • Calories: 103
  • Carbohydrates: 13g

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4 Responses

  1. Sounds delicious! I don’t drink alcohol but I’m thinking this will taste just as good with the juice mix!

  2. I make something similar to this quite a bit, but never knew it was called a Paloma. I always just called it a grapefruit margarita. I hadn’t heard of that mixer, but I’m always looking for healthier ways to indulge

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How to make a Paloma

A paloma is a tequila-based drink with grapefruit and some bubbles. Here's an easy way to make a low-sugar version.
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Mila Clarke, MS, NBC-HWC

Mila Clarke is a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, an author, self-taught cook, nutritionist and Integrative Nutrition Diabetes Health Coach, diabetes advocate and founder of Hangry Woman and The Glucose Guide App. Hangry Woman aims to take away the shame and stigma that comes with a diabetes diagnosis and covers topics like diabetes management, cooking, and self-care from the perspective of someone living with the chronic condition. Her book –– The Diabetes Food Journal –– Is one of the most sought after diabetes self-management tools for patients. Her online community – Glucose Guide – offers affordable health coaching, hundreds of diabetes-friendly recipes and community peer support. Mila has been featured by CNN, The New York Times, Eat This Not That, USA Today, Good Housekeeping and WebMD. She contributes to Healthline, The Washington Post, DiaTribe, and EatingWell Magazine. Mila lives in Houston, Texas with her Miniature Poodle, Noodle.
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