This deliciously fresh Reposado Paloma is about to become your new signature summer cocktail. Featuring reposado tequila, freshly juiced grapefruits and limes, a hint of sweetness from agave and a bubbly club soda topper, this tasty adult beverage has HAPPY HOUR written all over it!

two cocktail glasses filled with reposado palomas next to fresh grapefruit and lime wedges on a colorful Mexican flowered textile

While we all know and love the traditional Margarita, sometimes I like to play bartender and shake things up a bit. (See what I did there??) This sweet-tart Mexican cocktail is my version of rose-colored glasses and is just the way to welcome the weekend.

Why I Love This Recipe

Much like my cooking philosophy, I believe that using fresh, fragrant ingredients will yield the best possible results when making a cocktail, and this reposado paloma is no different.

While the original version of Palomas were made with grapefruit flavored sodas, I much prefer the flavor of real juice. I call for fresh grapefruit juice and a real lime to make this cocktail extra refreshing.

My advice for anyone who wants to make tequila cocktails is to use 100% agave. This is a spirit that should be made entirely from the agave plant. I don’t understand why people choose to make margaritas or palomas with cheap tequila. I promise you, it’s just not worth the hangover (been there, done that).

Treat yourself to an artisanal cocktail at home by making this reposado paloma with Exotico Tequila. Exotico’s reposado has hints of vanilla, caramel and cinnamon that gives this paloma a very rich and smooth taste without a lot of bite. I promise that this is a bottle you’ll want to buy again and again!

And don’t worry, friends. Even though this delicious reposado paloma could easily command a cool $12 to 15 at your local watering hole, making it at home means it will be much more affordable. So, sit and enjoy the setting sun a little longer tonight — you’ll definitely want a second round of this tasty beverage!

How to Make a Fresh Grapefruit Paloma 

Rub a wedge of lime around the rim of the glass and the dip the outside of the rim of the glass in coarse salt or Tajín.

two cocktail glasses prepped with Tajin and Salt with reposado tequila next to fresh grapefruit and lime wedges on a colorful Mexican flowered textile

Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. If you like your cocktails on the sweeter side, feel free to add agave nectar. Fill cocktail shaker with ice. 

blue cocktail shaker pouring a Paloma in a cocktail glass prepped with Tajin and Salt with reposado tequila next to fresh grapefruit and lime wedges on a colorful Mexican flowered textile

Shake well; strain into two ice-filled, salt-rimmed rocks glasses. Top with club soda. Garnish with grapefruit and lime slices. Enjoy!

two sparkling Paloma cocktails with Exotico Tequila bottle in the background

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to use reposado tequila to make a proper Paloma?

Nope! In fact, in my cocktail book Latin Twist you will find a smoky mezcal paloma. Either blanco, reposado, or mezcal may be used to make an authentic paloma.

Can I make a big batch of palomas?

Absolutely! I recommend mixing everything except the club soda up in a pitcher or punchbowl ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, pour the palomas into glasses filled with ice, then top with a splash of bubbly club soda and a slice of grapefruit and lime to garnish it. Yum!

What does “paloma” mean?

Paloma is the Spanish word for “dove,” which is universally associated with peace, hope, gentleness, and purity. This delectable tequila cocktail fits right in with those associations in my mind!

top down shot of two cocktail glasses prepped with Tajin and Salt with reposado tequila next to fresh grapefruit and lime wedges on a colorful Mexican flowered textile

Need more happy hour recipes?

Check out some of my other favorites:

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colorful Mexican runner with two Paloma cocktail glasses

Reposado Paloma

5 (7 ratings)
My deliciously fresh Reposado Paloma is about to become your new signature summer cocktail. Featuring reposado tequila, freshly juiced grapefruits and lime, a hint of sweetness from agave and a bubbly club soda topper, this tasty adult beverage has HAPPY HOUR written all over it!
Print Pin Rate
Yield: 2 drinks
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • coarse salt or Tajin
  • 4 oz reposado tequila
  • 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice, or bottled
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 oz agave nectar, optional
  • club soda
  • grapefruit & lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions 

  • Rub a wedge of lime around the rim of the glass and the dip the outside of the rim of the glass in coarse salt or Tajin. 
  • To a cocktail shaker add the tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice. If you like a sweet paloma feel free to add agave nectar.
  • Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well; strain into two ice-filled rocks glasses. Top with club soda. Garnish with grapefruit and lime slices.

Notes

Do you have to use reposado tequila to make a proper Paloma?
Nope! In fact, in my cocktail book Latin Twist you will find a smoky mezcal paloma. Either reposado or mezcal may be used to make an authentic paloma. 
Can I make a big batch of palomas?
Absolutely! I recommend mixing everything except the club soda up in a pitcher ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, pour the palomas into glasses filled with ice, then top with a splash of bubbly club soda and a slice of grapefruit and lime to garnish it. Yum!
Calories: 239kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 4mg, Potassium: 227mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 25IU, Vitamin C: 41mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Yvette Marquez
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Mexican