Let's make a frothy grapefruit Paloma: a fun twist on a classic cocktail. This drink is made with fresh grapefruit juice, egg whites to create the frothiness, and topped off with sparkling water. Perfect for happy hour or anytime you want a pick me up.
Palomas are a staple at our house, and if we ever want to impress company, we are whipping them up left and right.
They could be my favorite tequila-based cocktail, and I am confident they will become yours, too if you have not yet tried one!
If you are looking for another fantastic Paloma recipe, you've got to try my
frozen Palomas with watermelon! They are life changing, for sure.
What is the difference between a margarita and a Paloma?
The drinks are similar as they are both a bit tart, and tequila is the main alcohol used in each drink.
However, Margaritas are slightly sweeter with the addition of orange liquor.
A Paloma has a natural sweetness only coming from the fresh grapefruit juice coupled with the simple syrup or agave.
Grapefruit paloma ingredients
You will only need a handful of ingredients to make this frothy grapefruit Paloma.
- Grapefruit juice: It tastes way, way different than anything from a can or preserved in a bottle.
- Lime juice: Always use fresh citrus juice in all cocktail recipes. The preserved ones have a funny aftertaste and will amount to a yucky-tasting drink.
- Tequila: I love using Blanco (aka silver tequila) in cocktails like these. Otherwise, the tequila flavor can be very over-powering.
- Egg white: This is what creates the froth in the beverage.
- Simple syrup: An alternative would be using agave syrup.
- Sparkling water: A plain, sparkling water is necessary for topping off the drink, as it also reignites more froth from the egg whites.
- Coarse sea salt: *optional* You can rim the glass with fresh lime juice coated in coarse sea salt if you'd like, too!
I do not recommend making any substitutions, as I have not tested it any other way.
If you do make this Paloma with a substitution, be sure to let me know in the comments because I'd love to hear about what worked (and what didn't!)
How to make this recipe
Add grapefruit juice, lime juice, tequila, simple syrup, and an egg white to a cocktail shaker.
Give it a vigorous shake, shake, shake to make it nice and frothy. Keep shaking for about 30 seconds.
Add 2 large handfuls of ice cubes and shake again for another 30 seconds. Pour it into a serving glass.
Pour 3-4 ounces of sparkling water (depending on how strong you want the drink.)
Garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge and enjoy right away.
This grapefruit Paloma cocktail is perfect year round. I find it super refreshing during the warmer months, of course.
However, I also really love it during the rest of the year because there is something about the frothiness that makes me feel warm and cozy.
Just trust me.
You try it, and you'll immediately get where I am coming from! 😉
What to serve with a grapefruit Paloma:
I have had Palomas alongside many dishes, but a few favorites that come to mind include:
More cocktail recipes you will love:
Frozen Palomas with Watermelon
The Best Frozen Coconut Margaritas
Creamy Espresso Martini Recipe
Frothy Grapefruit Paloma
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
Ingredients
- 1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- 2 ounces tequila Blanco see notes
- 1 egg white
- 1 ounce simple syrup or agave
- ice
- 3-4 ounces sparkling water see notes
- coarse sea salt see notes
Instructions
- Add grapefruit juice, lime juice, tequila, simple syrup, and an egg white to a cocktail shaker.
- Give it a vigorous shake, shake, shake to make it nice and frothy. Keep shaking for about 30 seconds.
- Add 2 large handfuls of ice cubes and shake again for another 30 seconds. Pour it into a serving glass.
- Pour 3-4 ounces of sparkling water (depending on how strong you want the drink.)
- Garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge and enjoy right away.
Notes
- Lime juice: Use fresh lime juice over anything bottled or preserved.
- Simple syrup: We recommend using simple syrup for this cocktail. You can alternatively use agave nectar.
- Sparkling water: Start off with 3 ounces and taste. If you'd like it less strong, pour in another ounce.
- Coarse sea salt: *optional* You can rim the glass with fresh lime juice coated in coarse sea salt if you'd like, too!
- Tequila recommendations include: Espolon Reposado, Casamigos Blanco and Avión Añejo, but anything silver / Blanco will work.
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