Paloma - Tequila & Pink Grapefruit Highball with Mexican Roots

The Paloma keeps its formula lean: agave tequila, pink grapefruit soda, lime, salt, and ice. Grapefruit brings sweetness, bitterness, and fizz at once, while lime sharpens the citrus and salt pulls the flavors into focus. Built directly in a tall glass, it is a straightforward tequila highball with a distinctly Mexican identity.

Background

The exact origin of the drink remains unresolved, but its history is closely tied to tequila and grapefruit soda in Mexico. Grapefruit soda entered the Mexican market in the 1950s, and the combination later picked up lime and salt as it became associated with Jalisco drinking culture. By the late 20th century, the tequila-and-grapefruit combination had spread well beyond Mexico.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Agave Tequila: Provides the earthy, peppery agave backbone.
• Pink Grapefruit Soda: Supplies grapefruit bitterness, sweetness, and carbonation.
• Lime Juice: Adds a small but important dose of fresh acidity.
• Salt: Sharpens the citrus and rounds out grapefruit bitterness.

Substitution note: Another grapefruit soda can produce a similar drink if pink grapefruit soda is unavailable, but it will no longer follow the official IBA specification exactly.

Equipment

• Highball Glass
• Jigger
• Bar spoon
• Ice

Grapefruit Fizz Does the Heavy Lifting

The Paloma gets unusual mileage from a short ingredient list. Grapefruit soda acts as citrus, sweetener, and carbonated mixer in one ingredient, leaving the tequila clearly recognizable instead of burying it under juice and syrup. The small measures of lime and salt keep the drink bright and structured without turning it into a sparkling Margarita.

Substitutions & Variations

• Reposado Paloma: Replace agave tequila with reposado tequila for more cooked-agave, vanilla, and oak character.
• Mezcal Paloma: Swap tequila for mezcal for a smoky grapefruit highball.
• Fresh Grapefruit Version: Use fresh grapefruit juice with sparkling water and sweetener to taste for a less soda-driven variation.
• Salt Rim: Move the salt to a light rim if you prefer a more noticeable salty finish.

These variations can make excellent drinks, but they are departures from the official IBA Paloma specification.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the grapefruit soda: Cold soda keeps the finished highball colder and slows unnecessary dilution.
• Use plenty of ice: A full glass chills efficiently and helps maintain carbonation.
• Add the soda last: This limits agitation and preserves its fizz.
• Stir gently: A few turns are enough to distribute the salt, citrus, and tequila.
• Measure the lime: The IBA version uses only a small amount, so an oversized pour can make the drink noticeably sharper.
• Keep the garnish simple: A lime slice matches the official IBA presentation.
• For several drinks: Pre-measure the tequila, lime, and salt, then add grapefruit soda individually so each glass stays carbonated.