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Mexico · Mexican

Paloma (Tequila & Grapefruit, Mexico's Real Favourite)

Mexico's most popular tequila drink — far more loved than the margarita at home. Tequila, fresh lime, grapefruit soda and a salt rim, long and fizzy over ice. Easy, bright and endlessly drinkable.

By Table & Traditions Editors

Published June 26, 2026

A tall Paloma over ice with a flaky-salt rim and a pink grapefruit wedge, pale pink and fizzy in the sun.

While the margarita is the tequila drink the world knows, the Paloma ('dove') is the one Mexico actually drinks — a tall, fizzy highball of tequila and grapefruit soda. Traditionally made with Squirt or Jarritos grapefruit soda, it's the everyday cantina favourite: simpler, longer and more refreshing than its famous cousin.

Yield
Makes 1
Prep
4 min
Cook
0 min
Total
About 4 min
Difficulty
Easy

The Paloma is the tequila drink Mexico actually orders — long, fizzy and grapefruit-bright, far more of an everyday favourite than the margarita. Tequila, fresh lime and grapefruit soda over ice, with a salt rim. That’s the whole, brilliant thing.

Grapefruit soda is the shortcut — and the tradition

Authentic Palomas lean on grapefruit soda like Squirt or Jarritos. It’s not a compromise; it’s how the drink is made at home. For something fresher and less sweet, use real grapefruit juice with a splash of soda and a little agave.

Salt twice

A salt rim and a pinch of salt in the drink both tame grapefruit’s bitterness and brighten the tequila. Salt only the outer half of the rim so you can take it or leave it sip by sip.

Build it tall and fizzy

Ice, tequila, lime, soda last, one gentle stir. For the shaken, citrus-balanced tequila classic instead, see the Margarita. More in the Drinks guide.

Ingredients

Makes
1
  • 50 ml (1.75 oz) blanco (silver) 100% agave tequila 100% agave keeps it clean and bright; mixto brings a harsh edge.
  • 15 ml (0.5 oz) fresh lime juice
  • Top, about 120 ml (4 oz) grapefruit soda (Squirt, Jarritos, Ting) The traditional shortcut. For a fresher drink use fresh grapefruit juice plus a splash of soda water and a little sugar.
  • pinch of salt, plus flaky salt for the rim
  • grapefruit or lime wedge, to garnish
  • ice

Method

Tap a step’s number to check it off as you go.

  1. Rub a lime wedge around the outer half of a tall glass rim and dip it in flaky salt. Fill the glass with ice.

    Why: Salt brightens the grapefruit and tequila just as it does food; salting only the outer half lets you choose it sip by sip.

  2. Add the tequila, fresh lime juice and a small pinch of salt directly to the glass.

    Why: A pinch of salt in the drink itself rounds the grapefruit's bitterness and lifts the whole thing.

  3. Top with grapefruit soda, stir once gently, and garnish with a grapefruit or lime wedge.

    Why: Adding the soda last and stirring once keeps it fizzy while combining the tequila and lime.

A quick, anonymous tap — no review needed.

Variations

  • Fresh grapefruit

    Use fresh grapefruit juice, a little agave and a top of soda water instead of grapefruit soda for a fresher, less sweet drink.

  • Mezcal Paloma

    Use mezcal in place of (or alongside) the tequila for a smoky version.

  • Spicy

    Add a few slices of jalapeño or a chili-salt rim (Tajín) for heat against the citrus.

Serving & Storage

Serve tall and cold over plenty of ice. Bright, fizzy and easy — the ultimate hot-weather tequila drink.

Pairs with: Tacos al pastor, Carnitas, Ceviche, Elote (street corn).

Storage: Make to order — the fizz won't keep. Have tequila, lime and soda ready and build per glass.

Nutrition

Per serving (1 cocktail (~200 ml))

Calories
190
Protein
0 g
Carbs
20 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
0 g
Sugar
18 g
Sodium
200 mg

Estimated using standard ingredient data. Values vary with brands and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Paloma more popular than the margarita in Mexico?

It's simpler and more refreshing — a long, fizzy highball you can make in seconds with grapefruit soda, versus the shaken, citrus-balanced margarita. It's the everyday cantina drink rather than the special-occasion one.

What grapefruit soda should I use?

Squirt is the classic; Jarritos Toronja and Ting are great too. For a fresher, less sweet Paloma, use real grapefruit juice with a splash of soda water and a touch of agave.

Does the salt matter?

Yes — both a salt rim and a pinch in the drink tame grapefruit's bitterness and make the whole thing taste brighter and more balanced. It's a small step with a big effect.

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