Ready for something fresh, simple, and effervescent to sip on this season? This Sparkling Paloma recipe is your answer!

Sparkling Paloma

Ingredients for the Sparkling Paloma

The Paloma is made with just a few ingredients! For an easy cocktail to craft, give this Paloma a shot! 

• Tequila: for this cocktail, I used Blanco tequila, specifically Espolon Tequila. If you prefer reposado tequila, that will work too! Click here for other tequila recommendations for a Paloma.  
• Grapefruit juice: squeeze fresh grapefruit juice or pick up some grapefruit juice from your local grocery store. Click here to see a list of the best grapefruit juice brands!
• Simple syrup: add in some simple syrup, it can either be homemade or store-bought. I used Stirrings Pure Cane Simple Syrup. 
• Champagne or prosecco: for some effervescence in this drink add in either champagne or prosecco. Prosecco tends to be a bit sweeter.
• Sea salt flakes: prepare your Paloma glass by adding sea salt flakes to the rim. I used Maldon Flake Sea Salt.
• Lime wedge: serve with a lime wedge for the final touch.

How to Make the Sparkling Paloma

Start by prepping your Paloma glass and pour the sea salt flakes on a small plate. Rub the rim of your cocktail glass with a lime wedge to coat with juice. Dip the rim of the glass in salt until coated. Then, fill your glass with ice.

Next, add the tequila, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled. Pro tip: The level of sweetness of grapefruit juice can vary! Add more simple syrup if your grapefruit juice is bitter and less simple syrup if your grapefruit juice is sweet.

Lastly, strain the cocktail mixture into your prepared glass. Fill the glass with champagne and garnish it with a lime wedge. Enjoy!

How to Make this Sparkling Paloma a Pitcher!

If you’re entertaining for a crew, make this delicious Sparkling Paloma recipe into a batch drink!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tequila
• 1 ½ cups grapefruit juice
• 2/3 cup simple syrup
• 1 1/4 cup champagne or prosecco
• Sea salt flakes, for rim
• Lime wedges, for serving

What You’ll Need:

• Small plate
• Cocktail glasses
• Measuring cup
• Pitcher

Directions:

1. Pour sea salt on a small plate. Rub the rim of each cocktail glass with a lime wedge to coat with juice. Dip the rim of the glass in salt until coated.
2. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and champagne to a pitcher and stir. Fill the pitcher with ice.
3. Divide into prepared glasses and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy!

What’s the Difference Between a Margarita and Paloma?

I’m glad you asked! While both of these cocktails are tequila-based and delicious, there are a few differences, see below for what they are. 

• A Paloma is made with grapefruit juice or grapefruit soda. Versus margaritas which are made with lime juice.
• A Paloma tends to be less sweet than a margarita due to the grapefruit juice which can be tart.
• Margaritas are usually sweetened by triple sec or Cointreau. 
• A Paloma is more effervescent with some type of soda, or bubbly drink added.

More Tequila-Based Cocktails

• Golden Turmeric Margarita
• Spicy Watermelon Margarita
• Honeydew Margarita
• Creamy Pink Coconut Margarita

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