Hot, humid weather is no match for a pitcher of these refreshing Raspberry Paloma Cocktails. Our recipe puts a twist on the classic Mexican cocktail with the addition of sweet raspberries and spicy jalapeños!
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A classic margarita never goes out of style. There is just something about summer weather that puts thirst-quenching margaritas on heavy rotation during cocktail hour. But these tangy Raspberry Paloma Cocktails are giving my favorite margs a run for their money.
Consider these tequila-based cocktails a first cousin to the beloved margarita…and equally as refreshing.
What is a paloma cocktail?
Palomas are one of Mexico's most popular cocktails. Made with tequila, grapefruit and lime and served on the rocks, these sweet and tart thirst-quenchers hit the spot on a warm, sunny day.
Instructions
A paloma is made by combining tequila, fresh citrus juices and either club soda or even grapefruit soda. Our Raspberry Palomas add a twist to the Mexican classic by including fresh raspberries and spicy jalapeño slices for a bit of kick in every sip.
We start by rimming a lowball glass with salt (because can you actually call it a tequila drink without a salted rim??). Muddle a few raspberries, a jalapeño slice, agave syrup and lime juice together in the glass before filling it with ice.
Add the grapefruit juice and tequila before topping with club soda. A quick stir is all that's needed before you're ready to enjoy!
Best Tequila
The liquor store aisles are stocked with bottle of every color of tequila. The most readily available tequilas are either gold or silver.
I use silver (or blanco) tequila for these Raspberry Palomas because it's a young tequila that is not aged. That also means it is a bit less expensive than a reposado or anejo tequila. Perfect for mixed drinks!
It's just as easy to make paloma cocktails for one as it is for a group.
Simply multiply the recipe by the number of drinks needs and do all the mixing and muddling of ingredients (except for the club soda) in a large pitcher. Reserve the club soda until just before serving to keep the cocktails nice and bubbly. (I've included directions for both one and six drinks below.)
Equipment
- Fresh grapefruit and lime juices are a must. Most grocery stores carry fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, but if you can't find it, juice your own. This citrus juicer has an adjustable reamer to make quick work of juicing all types of citrus fruits.
- A muddler is also key to coaxing all the flavors from this cocktail. Muddlers come in many different shapes and sizes but go for a longer version if you plan to make a batch of these palomas so it will easily fit in your pitcher. I like this one because it comes with a long bar spoon, too.
- Sure you can use a jigger to measure the ingredients in this cocktail, but these measuring beakers are so much cuter. Hands down, this set is one of our favorite kitchen tools.
Love margaritas? You will definitely want to add this refreshing Raspberry Paloma cocktail recipe to your summer happy hour menu!
Recipe
Raspberry Palomas
Ingredients
- 12 fresh raspberries
- 6 slices fresh jalapeno
- 3 ounces agave syrup
- 3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
- 12 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 12 ounces silver tequila tequila blanco
- Club soda
- Additional raspberries lime and grapefruit wedges for garnish, optional
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Instructions
To make one cocktail:
- Place two raspberries, one jalapeno slice, ½ ounce agave syrup and ½ ounce lime juice in a cocktail shaker and gently muddle. Fill shaker with ice and pour in 2 ounces grapefruit juice and 2 ounces tequila. Shake for 30 seconds and strain into ice-filled glass. Top with club soda and gently stir. Garnish with raspberries and/or lime and grapefruit wedges and serve.
To make a pitcher (6 cocktails):
- Muddle together raspberries, jalapeno slices, agave syrup and lime juice in a small pitcher. Add grapefruit juice and tequila to pitcher and stir to combine.12 fresh raspberries, 6 slices fresh jalapeno, 3 ounces agave syrup, 3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice, 12 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, 12 ounces silver tequila
- Fill six glasses with ice. Divide cocktail evenly among glasses. Top with club soda and gently stir. Garnish with raspberries and/or lime and grapefruit wedges and serve.Club soda, Additional raspberries
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
Ellis Zaremba says
In the bottom of two large glasses, divide the raspberries and chili. Muddle well until you have a raspberry-chili pulp.
Courtney says
These look great and I'm thinking of making them for a family get together. Can you add club soda to the pitcher instead of topping off the glasses? And if so, how much would you suggest?
Thanks
Hi Courtney, Unfortunately I usually eyeball topping off the glasses when I make these at home, but I suggest adding one of those small glass bottles (I think they are 10 ounces) of club soda to the pitcher. Taste and add more if needed. Hope that helps!
Laura @MotherWouldKnow says
What a lovely way to entertain the parents. This looks so inviting - with all that fruit juice I could even justify it as a healthy drink, smiling all the way back to the pitcher for another:).
Kristina says
this is definitely my kind of book club!
gorgeous photos of what I know is a flavorful cocktail - yum!
Phyllis says
would love to know where you purchased the glasses used to make this amazing looking drink (Raspberry Palomas) any info would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Phyllis, the glasses are actually Lisa's, and she told me they are Kosta Boda but they are not made anymore. Wish I had some myself!