Quick answer: For one Paloma, combine 2 oz Blanco tequila, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice and ½ oz lime juice over ice, then top with 2–3 oz chilled sparkling water. Add a little agave syrup only if the fruit needs it. Stir gently and garnish with grapefruit.
There are two useful paths to a Paloma: grapefruit soda for speed or fresh grapefruit plus bubbles for control. The fresh version lets you decide how tart or sweet the drink should be. It also gives a bright Blanco tequila room to show through.
Ingredients for one fresh Paloma
- 2 oz Billy’s Blanco Tequila
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 2–3 oz chilled sparkling water
- Optional: up to ¼ oz agave syrup, grapefruit wedge and partial salt rim
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add tequila, grapefruit and lime. Stir briefly, add sparkling water, and give it one gentle turn. Taste before adding syrup. Grapefruit varies by variety and season, so the same sweetness level will not suit every batch of fruit.
What tequila works in a Paloma?
A Blanco is an intuitive starting point because agave character can hold up alongside grapefruit’s tartness and mild bitterness. Billy’s Blanco is made with 100% Blue Weber agave; the brand describes crisp agave, citrus fruit and a touch of spice. Those notes fit a fresh Paloma without needing a long list of additions.
If you prefer an oak-led cocktail, experiment with a small test drink using an aged expression. Billy’s Añejo Cristalino has vanilla, caramel and toasted-oak notes, which will take the drink in a different direction from a crisp Blanco Paloma.
Fresh juice or grapefruit soda?
Fresh juice plus sparkling water gives separate control over citrus, sweetness and fizz. Grapefruit soda is easier but often sweetened, so leave out syrup until you taste. Chilling the mixer beforehand helps keep bubbles in the glass. A half-salt rim offers a choice with each sip.
For a gathering, prepare the citrus component ahead and chill it, then add ice and bubbles to each glass at service. Offer grapefruit, lime and sparkling water without tequila as a nonalcoholic option. Keep the tequila measured for each adult serving.
Where to find Billy’s Blanco online
For local-store maps and retailer information, see where to buy Billy’s Tequila. Confirm the exact expression, current inventory and eligible pickup or delivery terms with the retailer; adults 21+ only.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Paloma supposed to be sweet?
It can be lightly sweet, but grapefruit and lime should remain apparent. Add syrup in small measured increments, especially if using sweetened soda.
Can I use pink or white grapefruit?
Yes. White grapefruit is often sharper, while pink or red fruit can taste sweeter. Taste first and adjust accordingly.
Can I use grapefruit soda instead?
Yes. It can replace the juice and sparkling water in a quicker version. Use less or no added syrup, then adjust lime.
Related reading: Ranch Water recipe.
Billy’s Blanco Tequila; tequila, 40% alc/vol (80 proof) each. Responsible advertiser: Billy’s Tequila, info@billystequila.com. For adults 21+. Enjoy responsibly. Never drink before driving, boating or other activities requiring sobriety. Retail availability and shipping vary by location.
