For a delicious alternative to a margarita this Cinco de Mayo, try a ginger Paloma cocktail! This easy Mexican cocktail recipe is a refreshing and popular drink.
Darlings, food blogging has taught me many things. While most of our food discoveries and recipe ideas come from our travels, some recipe ideas start on the internet. A few years ago, Paloma cocktails were A Thing on social media. Never having heard of a Paloma, I started clicking and reading. It turns out Palomas are supposedly more popular in Mexico than margaritas! Y’all. Can you just imagine? We might be doing taco Tuesday all wrong and not even know it. But this is why we are here, to learn, and share.
A classic Paloma cocktail is very simple. Tequila, lime, and a grapefruit soda. Made in a highball, it’s simple and definitely refreshing. And if you’re making for a family dinner, omit the tequila for a cute mocktail. Darlings, this kind of simplicity is what makes a great recipe! The Godfather and I were fans at first sip.
But it can be hard to find grapefruit soda. The Jarritos brand – the most popular brand of grapefruit soda – is usually found in Mexican markets or the international section of the grocery store. Actually finding it is hit or miss, though. So what’s a girl to do? Improvise, and make a really delicious variation on the Paloma cocktail that should make your next Taco Tuesday or Cinco de Mayo menu ASAP.
The ginger Paloma swaps the traditional grapefruit soda for zingy ginger beer! FYI – ginger beer is not alcoholic… it’s just got a stronger flavor than your typical ginger ale. The flavor is different because ginger beer is brewed and fermented with the ginger. Ginger ale is just carbonated water with ginger flavor added. Either can be used, but I recommend ginger beer for a stronger flavor.
Since grapefruit is part of what “makes” a Paloma cocktail, I didn’t want to omit it entirely. That, and grapefruits are currently in season, so taste amazing! Because we need no excuse to incorporate seasonal flavors, the grapefruit in the cocktail comes from fresh grapefruit juice. Don’t have any? Use store bought. Still delicious, probably easier for a crowd or pitcher of Palomas if you don’t want to juice a bunch of grapefruits in advance.
Making a Paloma is very easy, pour all ingredients in a highball glass, soda last, and stir. No shakers or blenders in sight.
I hope you love this recipe for a ginger Paloma cocktail! Enjoy responsibly!
Ginger Paloma Cocktail Recipe
For a delicious alternative to a margarita this Cinco de Mayo, try a ginger Paloma cocktail! This easy Mexican cocktail recipe is a refreshing and popular drink.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- juice from 1/2 a fresh lime
- 4 ounces grapefruit juice
- ginger beer to top
- ice
Instructions
- Place 2-3 cubes of ice in a highball glass.
- Add the tequila - reposado or blanco will work best.
- Squeeze in the juice from half a lime.
- Pour in the grapefruit juice. If you have fresh grapefruits, use that. But if you don't, or you're making palomas for a crowd, use the refrigerated grapefruit juice from the store.
- Pour in enough ginger beer to fill the glass. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired and serve!
Notes
Please enjoy responsibly and never serve alcoholic drinks to those underage. You can easily omit the tequila for a tasty, non-alcoholic, grapefruit ginger punch.
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If you’re looking for some great taco recipes to pair with this cocktail, might I suggest: