Cocktail recipe

Paloma Picante recipe.

A characterful cocktail built around tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda, finished with a clean, memorable lift.

Cocktail recipe 5 mins Mocktail option
I’d like to make a for using
Paloma Picante cocktail image
Paloma Picante

Description

Paloma Picante is built around tequila, lime juice, grapefruit soda, giving it a clear identity from the first sip. It belongs to the bright agave family of drinks, where citrus, salt and fruit can make tequila or mezcal feel sharp, sunny and sociable.

What makes it great is the balance: the base brings structure, the fruit or aromatic element gives personality, and the chilled serve keeps everything crisp. It has enough theatre for a cocktail menu but remains simple enough for a confident home bartender.

It earns its place at celebrations because it looks deliberate, tastes layered and still feels approachable to drink.

Ingredients

  • 50 ml Tequila
  • 20 ml lime juice
  • 80 ml Grapefruit Soda
  • 5 ml Agave syrup
  • 2 pieces Chilli slices
  • Ice
  • Salt rim

Equipment needed

Cocktail Shaker – Used to chill, dilute and integrate the cocktail before serving. Muddler – Useful for gently pressing herbs, fruit or sugar when building the drink. Fine Mesh Strainer – Use for a polished double-strain when citrus, fruit or herbs are shaken.

Instructions

  1. Add the liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds until the drink is properly chilled.
  3. Fine strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice or served straight up.
  4. Garnish to echo the main flavour and serve immediately.

Recommended glassware

Margarita Glass
Margarita Glass (recommended)

A wide, dramatic glass designed for Margaritas and frozen tequila cocktails.

250–400 ml Wide bowl with broad rim for salting or sugaring.

Best for: Margarita, Frozen Margarita, Daiquiri variations, festive tequila serves.

Garnish: Best for salt rims, lime wheels, citrus zest, and fruit garnishes.

Coupe Glass
Coupe Glass

An elegant stemmed glass for shaken or stirred cocktails served up.

Useful alternative if the primary glass is not available.

120–240 ml Stemmed glass with a broad shallow bowl.

Best for: Daiquiri, Sidecar, Manhattan served up, Gimlet, Clover Club.

Garnish: Great for expressed citrus peels, cherries, and small edible flowers.

Quick facts

5 mins Easy Approx. 16% ABV 0.3 units 255 kcal Fresh ice Mocktail option
Love this recipe? Share it with a friend or save it for later.
Facebook X WhatsApp Pinterest Email

People who liked this recipe also liked

Mojito
Mojito

A refreshing cocktail with mint, lime, and rum.

 Margarita
Margarita

A zesty drink featuring lime and tequila.

 Paloma
Paloma

Paloma is sharp, lively and properly structured, with Tequila, Grapefruit soda, Lime juice and Salt giving the drink a clearer flavour story and a more useful reason to make it.

More ways to explore

Browse related themes and categories for similar cocktails.

10 Best Cocktails for Summer Category 15 Mexican Cocktails Beyond the Margarita Category Cinco de Mayo Theme Citrus Cocktails Theme Mexican Cocktails Theme Summer Theme Summer Party Cocktails Theme Tequila Cocktails Theme