I’ve always had a soft spot for grapefruit—especially pink grapefruit. My dad used to serve it to us on Sundays, sliced in half with each segment carefully cut out using a grapefruit knife. It was our little ritual, and that flavor always stuck with me. These days, I still prefer pink grapefruit, and it just so happens to be the star of one of my favorite summer cocktail recipes: the Paloma.
What is a paloma cocktail?
The Paloma is a bright, refreshing cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit juice. There are lots of different variations, and all of them are easy to love. This easy summer cocktail makes the perfect complement to grilled dishes at summer get-togethers. Add a few personal touches—like a grilled grapefruit garnish and a toasted grapefruit zest salt rim—and it becomes truly special.
What’s the difference between pink and red grapefruit?
Pink and red grapefruit are closely related, but red grapefruit tends to be slightly sweeter and a bit deeper in color. Pink grapefruit, my personal favorite, offers that lovely balance of tang and sweetness. Its soft pink color makes a stunning cocktail, too! Either one works for this recipe, so feel free to use what you love or have on hand!
This drink is super refreshing—and the toasted grapefruit salt rim is a total game-changer!
If you’ve never made your own cocktail salt rim, this is the one to try. Make sure to zest a grapefruit before juicing it, then toast the zest in a low oven until it’s dry and fragrant. Mix it with kosher salt or sea salt and a little sugar, and you’ve got a uniquely delicious salt rim mixture for your paloma! That hint of sweetness from the sugar brings out the citrus flavors and balances the cocktail beautifully.
You can make this salt rim mixture ahead of time if you like—it’ll keep for up to a month in the pantry in a sealed container.
Throw the grapefruit garnish on the grill for a smoky flavor.
I like to make this cocktail when I’m already grilling out. That means making a grilled grapefruit garnish is easy! Before juicing the grapefruit, I slice off a center wheel and sprinkle it with a little sugar. A quick turn on the hot grill (ideally before you cook any meats or veggies) caramelizes the sugar and adds a subtle smoky note. It makes the prettiest garnish—and a delicious one too!
How to Make the Grilled Grapefruit Without a Grill
Don’t feel like firing up the grill? No problem. You can use a handheld kitchen torch to caramelize the grapefruit wheel. Just place it on a heatproof plate, sprinkle it with sugar, and torch it like you would a crème brûlée. It’s a fun option for indoor entertaining—or if you don’t have a grill at home!
Bring on the grapefruit!
Grapefruit is such a versatile fruit, especially in the warmer months. If you're as citrus-obsessed as I am, here are a few more recipes to try:
Paloma Recipe
This vibrant Paloma gets its signature flavor from pink grapefruit, a hint of lime, and a smoky grilled grapefruit garnish with a toasted zest salt rim.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Zest one grapefruit. Prepare the toasted grapefruit zest salt rim mixture. Set aside while preparing the drink. The salt rim mixture can be prepared up to one month ahead and stored at room temperature.
- Cut both grapefruit in half. Slice a ¼-inch round off one of the halves. I like to grill the grapefruit slice and use it for garnish and moisten the rim of the drink glasses with juice. If grilling the garnish, make sure to do it about 15 minutes before you want to make your palomas.
- Juice the grapefruit. For two drinks you will need about 4 ounces (½ cup) of juice. You may have more than you need.
- Before making the drinks, I like to rim the two glasses. If you like, you can chill the glasses in the freezer for an hour before rimming them and preparing the paloma. I like to use a Collins or Old-Fashioned glass. Cut the reserved grapefruit wheel (grilled if you like!) into quarters. Use two quarters to moisten the lip of the glasses. Place some of the salt rim mixture on a small plate. Dip the glass rims into the salt rim mixture.
- Place the grapefruit juice, lime juice, tequila, and simple syrup or agave nectar in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker halfway up with ice. Cover and shake for about 20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
- Place some ice (I like to use a decorative round ice cube!) in the prepared glasses. Strain the paloma into the prepared glasses. Top off with the sparkling water or club soda. Place a reserved grapefruit quarter on the rim of the glasses and enjoy!
Toasted Grapefruit Zest Salt Rim Mixture Recipe
A bright, fragrant mix of toasted grapefruit zest, salt, and a hint of sugar—perfect for custom rims on summer cocktails—especially a pink grapefruit Paloma!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175° F.
- Using a microplane zester, zest the grapefruit, avoiding the white pith. You should have about 2 to 3 tablespoons of zest.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle the zest evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, checking now and then, to dry out the zest. You want it to be dry to the touch and fragrant, but not brown. The result will be a crispy zest that is dry to the touch.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Using a chef’s knife, go over the zest to make it as fine as possible.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the zest, sea salt or kosher salt, and sugar. Mix with a small whisk to combine.
- The rimming mixture can be kept in a resealable bag for up to 1 month in the pantry at room temperature.
Grilled Grapefruit Garnish Recipe
Grilling grapefruit adds a caramelized and smoky flavor to the fruit. It only takes a quick flip on the grill to prepare the grapefruit so keep an eye on it!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the whole grapefruit slice lightly with sugar. Place the grapefruit, sugar side down, on a hot grill. Grill until slightly charred, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes to cool.
- Cut the grilled grapefruit into quarters. Use two of the grapefruit quarters for garnish on your cocktail. The remaining grapefruit quarters can be used to moisten the rim of your cocktail glass before rimming with the roasted grapefruit salt mixture.
