This grapefruit Paloma takes tart and tangy grapefruit and lime juice and mixes them with tequila, simple syrup, and seltzer for a perfect summer cocktail.

There’s nothing better than sipping a cold, crisp, and refreshing cocktail by the pool on a hot summer day. 

I know everyone is eager to reach for a margarita, but palomas are where it’s at!

This grapefruit Paloma is the perfect drink!

It’s made with tequila, fresh citrusy grapefruit and lime juices, sweet simple syrup, and bubbly seltzer water.

To top it all off, I’ve rimmed the glass with some salty and spicy tajin seasoning!

Trust me, this grapefruit paloma is like sipping sunshine!

Did you see my Watermelon Paloma I posted earlier this year? Or this tasty mezcal Paloma?

Ingredients for grapefruit Paloma

• Tequila – Tequila has a peppery, clean flavor, and is a familiar spirit for Paloma. 
• Fresh grapefruit juice – Grapefruit juice will add a delicious tart flavor to the drink.
• Lime juice – Lime juice will give the Paloma a tangy kick!
• Simple syrup – Simple syrup will add sweetness.
• Seltzer water – Seltzer water will give the drink effervescence.
• Tajin – Rimming the glass with tajin will give the grapefruit Paloma a spicy and salty bite.

What is Tajin?

Tajin is a Mexican spice blend made of chili peppers, lime, and salt. 

You can find it in most major grocery stores in the international food aisle. 

If you can’t find it, no worries, feel free to use regular salt and black pepper!

Making this in a pitcher or for parties

To make this for a larger group I recommend adding the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup into a large pitcher, placing it into the fridge to cool, and then shortly before serving add ice and the seltzer water direction to the pitcher.

That way your guests can pour into their glass with ease!

Mix it up!

Plenty of ways to make this grapefruit paloma fit your taste buds!

If you prefer a drier cocktail, use less simple syrup. If you prefer a sweet cocktail, add more simple syrup!

The grapefruit juice and lime juice will shine through with the bubbly seltzer. If you can’t find a seltzer, use club soda instead.

If you’d like more sweetness and a boost of grapefruit flavor, try using grapefruit soda instead of seltzer! 

Ginger ale or ginger beer would add tasty sweetness and a slight ginger flavor, complementing the grapefruit.

How to make simple syrup

Making simple syrup for these grapefruit palomas is all in the name: simple!

Take equal parts water and granulated sugar and put them into a pot on the stove at medium-low heat, and heat until the sugar has completely dissolved and the resulting liquid is clear. 

Cool it completely before adding it to a jar or squeeze bottle!

In fact, I even have a few flavored simple syrups that I think could work great with this! Try my Mint Simple Syrup, Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup, or my Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup!

Storage and leftovers

Unfortunately, these are best consumed right after they’re made, so there are no leftovers here!

Have leftover grapefruit juice on hand? Try this fresh grapefruit mocktail!

More cocktail recipes

• Craving something fancy? Try my Frozen Aperol Spritz
• Love watermelon in the summer? Try my Watermelon Paloma
• Want to try a taste of the South? Try my Frozen Mint Julep
• Need a little taste of the fall? Try my Apple Cider Mojito