Classic Paloma: The Traditional Recipe

Have you ever wondered what makes the classic Paloma recipe so beloved in Mexico? While any skilled bartender can craft a perfect margarita, this refreshing tequila cocktail reigns supreme in the homeland of tequila, yet it has long lived in the shadow of its more famous sister in the United States.

At Olmeca Altos, we’re bringing you the authentic tequila Paloma recipe—simple, delicious, and true to its Mexican roots. This versatile cocktail has spawned countless variations worldwide, but we believe in honoring the traditional version that has captivated taste buds for generations.

Times are changing, and the Paloma is finally getting the recognition it deserves in America. What makes this drink particularly appealing is its accessibility—grapefruit, the cocktail’s distinctive ingredient, is one of the most harvested fruits on US soil. Whether you prefer freshly squeezed grapefruit juice or opt for the convenience of a quality pink grapefruit soda, this cocktail delivers exceptional results.

As world-renowned bartender Dré Masso notes: “Surprisingly, the Paloma is Mexico’s most popular cocktail, not the Margarita as I originally thought. Most of the time it is made with a canned or bottled fizzy drink which consists of grapefruit, lemon, sugar, and soda.”

The Paloma drink brings together the perfect symphony of flavors: bitter citrus grapefruit, sweet agave syrup, tangy lemon, and a spicy-salty rim that creates a true explosion of taste. Ready to discover why this authentic Mexican tequila mix deserves a place in your repertoire?

Paloma cocktail ingredients

What is in a Paloma drink? The authentic version of the cocktail only requires four ingredients, among which is obviously tequila. You can use a jigger to measure quantities:

• 60 ml / 2 parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
• 30 ml / 1 part of grapefruit soda (grapefruit juice and sparkling water)
• 30 ml / 1 part of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 15 ml / ½ of agave or simple syrup
• Optional garnishes: salt, lime and grapefruit slices

*The salt adds a distinctive flavor to the recipe, so we recommend adding it both to the glass and to the drink itself.

How to make a traditional Paloma drink

The Paloma is an incredibly easy cocktail to make, perfect for hot summer days, social events, or any time you want to enjoy an authentic taste of Mexico. This classic tequila drink requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time. Follow these straightforward steps to craft the perfect Paloma drink:

1. Prepare your glasses (optional but recommended): pour salt into a small plate. Rim your glass with water, lime, or grapefruit wedge, then roll the rim in salt to coat evenly. This classic touch adds the perfect salty contrast to the citrus flavors.
2. Mix your base ingredients: combine tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well until thoroughly mixed, then strain over a tall glass filled with fresh ice. For a simpler approach, you can mix these ingredients directly in the glass—skip the agave syrup for a less sweet but equally delicious version.
3. Add the star ingredient: top off your tequila mix with grapefruit soda for the traditional approach. For the most authentic experience, choose Mexican sodas like Jarritos, or opt for Squirt or Fresca as readily available alternatives. Prefer a fresher taste? Use fresh pink grapefruit juice topped with club soda instead.
4. Garnish and enjoy: add a lime or grapefruit wedge as garnish, and your perfect Paloma drink is ready to serve!

Ready to experience an authentic classic tequila cocktail? This easy Paloma recipe is ideal for celebrating sunny afternoons, relaxed evenings, or impressing guests at your next dinner party. For those curious about the nutritional content of this refreshing cocktail, check out our complete Paloma nutrition facts guide to make informed choices about your favorite tequila drink.

Now that you know the step-by-step process, watch this video to see how effortlessly this delicious and authentic Mexican Paloma comes together. You’ll notice how the simple, common household ingredients we’ve outlined transform into a remarkably refreshing cocktail.

What type of tequila for Paloma cocktails works best?

The base of any cocktail in the world is, obviously, the alcohol. To be able to enjoy a good Paloma tequila drink, you need to choose properly. What type of tequila do you like? Silver, Reposado or Añejo? If you are new to the tequila label jargon, here is a brief distinction:

• Silver tequila, also Blanco, Plata or White never sees the inside of an oak barrel. It’s the purest expression of agave’s natural flavors. This strong profile is what makes silver tequila great in cocktails, as it can handle any mixer you throw at it.
• Reposado, also Rested or Aged, sits in the barrel for between two months and one year, allowing it to develop a unique profile.
• Añejo, on the other hand, stays in the barrel for one to three years. This extra time intensifies the flavor, notes and color, resulting in a richer taste.

For the perfect Paloma drink, we prefer to use a good quality Blanco tequila (100% agave).

Expert tips for the crafted Paloma mix

Mastering the Paloma tequila drink goes beyond following a basic recipe—these professional tips will elevate your cocktail game to new heights. The alcohol strength of your Paloma cocktail depends largely on your grapefruit-to-tequila ratio, so start with a conservative amount of grapefruit and adjust gradually to discover your perfect balance. 

While the traditional recipe calls for grapefruit soda, many experienced bartenders are increasingly choosing fresh grapefruit juice for its crisp, clean taste. If you prefer the fresh approach, complement your grapefruit juice with unflavored sparkling water to maintain that essential bubbly effect.

For an elegant presentation, consider your garnishing technique carefully. Add a splash of pink grapefruit juice to the top of your glass for extra color and sweetness, then drop in a lemon wedge and squeeze it over the drink to release its natural oils and juices. While grapefruit and lemon slices are optional, they create a visually appealing garnish that enhances both the drink’s appearance and aroma.

How to make Paloma cocktails for a crowd: batch recipe

Planning a party or hosting friends? This large-batch Paloma recipe takes the guesswork out of cocktail preparation, allowing you to serve authentic Mexican cocktails to a crowd without missing the fun. The ingredients for 8-10 people are:

• 480 ml / 16 parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
• 240 ml / 8 parts of grapefruit soda (grapefruit juice and sparkling water)
• 240 ml / 8 parts of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 120 ml / 4 parts of agave or simple syrup

Combine the tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup in a large pitcher or beverage dispenser. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well mixed. This base can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, prepare your glasses by rimming with salt and filling with ice. Pour the tequila mixture into each glass, filling about 2/3 full, then top with grapefruit soda or club soda. Stir gently and garnish with grapefruit and lime wedges.

This recipe scales perfectly—simply multiply the ratios by your guest count and adjust sweetness to taste before adding the sparkling component.

The origins of the Paloma cocktail: a mexican legend

The beloved Paloma cocktail has a storied history rooted in authentic Mexican tradition. This iconic tequila drink was born at La Capilla (Spanish for “The Chapel”), where it was first crafted by the legendary Don Javier Delgado. 

From its humble beginnings in this aptly named establishment, the Paloma has conquered hearts across Mexico and around the world, becoming the country’s most cherished tequila mix. Don Javier’s original creation represents more than just a drink—it’s a testament to Mexican ingenuity and the perfect marriage of local ingredients that has stood the test of time.

Easy paloma variations: creative twists on a classic

While the traditional Paloma recipe is perfect in its simplicity, the cocktail’s versatility makes it an ideal canvas for creative experimentation. These innovative variations maintain the essence of the classic Mexican cocktail while introducing exciting flavor profiles that cater to different palates and occasions.

Strawberry Ginger Paloma

If you’re a strawberry fan, this easy strawberry Paloma recipe will become a favorite! To create this refreshing twist on the classic, begin by squeezing fresh grapefruit juice into a large bowl. Add the ginger beer, tequila, and fresh strawberries to the mixture, allowing the strawberries to soak for at least five minutes to infuse their natural sweetness into the drink. 

Next, muddle the strawberries gently to release their juices, then pour the entire liquid mixture into glasses filled with ice. For a smoother presentation, you can strain the mixture to remove the fruit pieces before serving.

Complete your strawberry ginger Paloma drink with garnishes like fresh strawberry slices, aromatic rosemary, thyme, mint sprigs, or classic lime slices for an elegant finishing touch.

Jolly Merry Holiday

This Jolly Merry cocktail makes the holiday season the most wonderful time. With just tequila, grapefruit juice and dry sparkling wine on top, you should have a delicious drink to put the holiday atmosphere on the table.

Perfect for Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations, this elegant variation elevates the traditional Paloma with sophisticated bubbles and seasonal flair. The sparkling wine balances the citrus tartness while creating a refined drinking experience that bridges casual cocktail and special occasion drink. Garnish with a grapefruit peel twist and fresh rosemary sprig for an aromatic holiday touch.

Sparkling Paloma

Discover this delicious sparkling Paloma recipe that adds an extra layer of effervescence to the traditional cocktail. Start by combining 60ml of Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila with 15ml of agave honey and 15ml of fresh lemon or lime juice in a highball glass.

Add 3 cents of pink grapefruit soda along with a pinch of salt, then stir gently to dissolve all ingredients and ensure proper mixing. Top off the tequila mix with additional soda if desired, then serve in glasses filled with ice. Garnish according to your preference and enjoy this elevated version of the classic Paloma.

You can also explore other creative Paloma variations with our best cocktail recipes. While the Paloma drink is always an excellent choice, there are endless possibilities when it comes to letting your imagination run wild with this versatile cocktail base. You can also try other versions of Paloma cocktails made by our bartender Dre Masso:

Olmeca Altos Plata for a truly tequila Paloma recipe

To make a true classic Paloma, you need to use Olmeca Altos Plata tequila. Why? Well, for starters, it comes from the heart of Jalisco, Mexico, the land where the Paloma cocktail was created. This means it has a true connection to the cocktail’s roots, and using it will help you create an authentic experience.

But that’s not all, as this is a high-quality tequila that has been crafted with great care by master tequila makers. It is made using only the best 100% blue agave variety, making it the perfect tequila to use in a cocktail like the Paloma, where balanced and harmonious flavors are desired.

When you choose Altos Plata for your Paloma, you’re not just selecting a premium tequila—you’re honoring the legacy of this beloved Mexican cocktail. Whether you’re crafting your first Paloma or you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast, Olmeca Altos Plata ensures that every glass delivers the authentic Mexican experience this classic cocktail was meant to provide.