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Looking for a simple, refreshing cocktail that highlights the best flavors of winter? This easy Paloma Cocktail, also known as my Grapefruit Tequila Slammer, is exactly what you need.
There’s something about fresh, juicy grapefruit that just feels right when the weather turns cold. I’ve loved grapefruit since I was a kid (although back then, my idea of eating it involved drowning it in sugar). Now, I skip the sugar and savor that bright, tart flavor all on its own, and it’s even better when you turn it into a cocktail.
This Paloma variation is a fun, slightly fizzy drink that’s just sweet enough without being overwhelming. It’s everything you love about a traditional Paloma but with an extra playful twist thanks to the “slammer” method.
Why You’ll Love This Grapefruit Tequila Slammer
Even though this recipe is ridiculously simple, it’s a standout drink you’ll want to make again and again.
- Fresh ingredients: Real grapefruit juice gives this Paloma cocktail a naturally sweet and tart flavor.
- Quick to make: Just a few ingredients and you’re ready to sip.
- Fun presentation: Slamming the drink to mix it up adds a little excitement which makes it perfect for casual parties or relaxing at home.
- Bright, crisp flavor: The balance of tequila, citrus, and a little fizz is unbeatable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to shake (or slam) this Paloma cocktail together:
- 4 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (pulp is good!)
- 2 ounces silver tequila (choose a good quality tequila for the smoothest flavor)
- 2 ounces lemon-lime soda (for a touch of sweetness and a refreshing fizz)
- Ice and extra grapefruit slices for garnish
How to Make a Grapefruit Tequila Slammer
This method is quick, easy, and honestly just fun.
- Fill your glass with ice. Add the fresh grapefruit juice, tequila, and lemon-lime soda right into the glass.
- Slam it. Cover the top of the glass with your hand and give it a quick but firm “slam” down onto the countertop to mix and create a lively fizz. (Wood surfaces are a safer bet than stone if you’d like your glass to stay intact.)
- Garnish and enjoy. Add a slice of grapefruit to the side of the glass and dive right in.
Pro Tip: Fresh grapefruit juice is key here. It’s worth the extra effort for the unbeatable flavor. Same goes for a Grapefruit Mimosa.
Tips for the Best Paloma Cocktail
- Use thin-skinned, juicy grapefruits for the most vibrant flavor.
- Chill your ingredients first so your drink stays nice and cold without needing too much ice.
- Adjust the fizz: Like it extra bubbly? Add a splash more lemon-lime soda.
- Add a salted rim if you want to make it feel a little fancier — just rub the rim with grapefruit and dip it into coarse salt before adding your drink.
How to Serve
This Paloma cocktail is best enjoyed immediately while the fizz is still fresh.
Serve it in a tall glass with lots of ice and a juicy wedge of grapefruit for garnish.
Perfect for brunch, cocktail hour, or just because you feel like treating yourself.
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Ingredients
- 4 ounces grapefruit juice freshly squeezed
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 2 ounces lemon lime soda
- garnish with additional grapefruit
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to glass with ice. To get it to fizz up and mix, cover top of glass with your hand and give it a good “slam” against the countertop (wood works better than stone if you enjoy drinks free of broken glass).4 ounces grapefruit juice, 2 ounces silver tequila, 2 ounces lemon lime soda
- Enjoy!garnish with additional grapefruit
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How do I mix so you can see the different layers in color when I mix mine it all Blended together
Hi Monica, Mine just settled like that. Guessing the grapefruit juice was just heavier? 🙂
Pour the juice first…I also added triple sec and a little sour to the tequila, shook and poured slowly on the juice
I ended up here instead of roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts…?
Do you remember which link you clicked? As in, were you in a different post and clicked a hyperlink and it took you to the wrong post? If you could let me know, I can correct. Here’s the recipe you were looking for: https://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/roasted-balsamic-bacon-brussels-sprouts/
I feel like this is basically a Paloma…
I really enjoyed this drink. Hope you don’t mind that I’m sharing it on my blog. Thank you.
This is really yummy. My husband makes these for me in the winter, because I love grapefruit drinks!! Yum. If you are on medication, make grapefruit is not a contraindication. It renders some meds less effective.
This is a fantastic cocktail for a #Friyay! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe – on my to-do list now!
I MADE ONE OF THESE FOR MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF, DELICIOUS , THANK YOU , WE WILL MAKE THEM AGAIN.
SINCERLY ,
KATHY HOGAN
Yay! Thanks for letting me know, Kathy! -Krissy