These Frozen Palomas are a tequila lover’s dream, bursting with three fresh citrus juices and finished with a sweet, salty and spicy Tajin spiked rim. It’s a fun twist on a traditional Paloma that can be made ahead and blended till smooth the moment you are ready to serve!
Why you’ll love this paloma Mexican drink
Undeniably refreshing! I don’t know if it’s the mix of grapefruit, orange and lime juice — or just the icy cold slushie texture — but this frozen paloma recipe is crisp and thirst-quenching. It gets much of its tart, sweet flavor from freshly squeezed fruit. That, plus the addicting sugar-salt-spice rim takes it over the top.
Set-it-and-forget-it! This is one of those cocktail recipes that bodes well as a make-ahead recipe since you need to set the citrus-tequila mixture in the freezer for 4-6 hours. I like to make this the morning of or even the night before. All I have to do come serving time is salt the rims and whiz it up in a blender.
Perfect for summer! I can assure you this grapefruit juice tequila cocktail will be the star of the show at Cinco de Mayo and all of your summer festivities. This boozy summertime drink is just what it sounds like — a classic Paloma in slushie form. In other words, a sure way to cool you down during those hot summer days.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this paloma recipe is what you would find in your classic paloma, with the volume turned wayyyy up. Gather together:
- Grapefruit juice, ruby red or pink
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Agave syrup or simple syrup
- Blanco tequila
- Ice
- Salt, sugar and Tajin
- Grapefruit slices
- Mint sprigs
Ingredient substitutions and notes:
- Freshly squeezed juice will give you the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought juice is the next best thing.
- Either agave syrup or a homemade or store-bought simple syrup will work.
- White tequila is classic and traditional — I list my favorites below.
- Replace the Tajin with regular chili powder if you can’t find it in stores.
Best tequila for palomas
If you know me well, you know I love nothing more than a marg and some salty snacks nearby. This is why I like to consider myself an expert on tequila. You can learn all about the different types of tequila, but here are my best recommendations:
- Blanco: Blanco tequila — also known as Silver, White or Plata — is never aged in oak barrels and provides a strong flavor profile that can hold up well in mixed cocktails. This is the traditional tequila used in Palomas. My favorites are Casamigos Blanco and Don Julio Blanco.
- Reposado: Reposado tequila — also known as Rested or Aged — has been aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months and has a more complex flavor akin to honey and caramel, with a slight golden hue. Casamigos Reposado is the next best thing.
- Anejo: Anejo tequila — also known as Extra Aged or Vintage — has been aged in oak barrels for 1-3 years. I do not recommend an Anejo tequila for Palomas, as these are best for sipping.
How to make palomas
Although this paloma drink takes some planning ahead, the extra effort is well worth it. Here’s how to do it:
- Freeze into ice cube molds: Combine grapefruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, agave nectar and Blanco tequila together in a large measuring glass or pitcher. Transfer mixture into ice cube molds and freeze until solid, at least 4-6 hours.
- Blend: Transfer the frozen mixture into a high-power blender with 2 cups of ice. Blend until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds.
- Rim the glass: On a small plate, combine equal amounts of salt, sugar and tajin (about 1 tsp each) onto a small plate. Run the edge of the glass with a grapefruit slice and dip the glass edge into the mixture.
- Garnish and enjoy: Transfer the slushee mixture into 2-4 glasses. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and mint sprig.
Serving suggestions
My friends go crazy for these paloma cocktails and I know yours will too! I love to serve them as a cooling summer drink during outdoor parties, picnics and BBQs. Some of my favorite snacks to pair them with include:
- Mexican Corn in a Cup
- Mexican Appetizer Snack Platter
- Grilled Street Corn Elotes
- Mexican Fruit Salad
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Recipe tips:
- Make your own simple syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small pot. Simmer over medium heat just until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Refrigerate until cold.
- Freeze in large ice cube molds. This makes it easier to blend. The tequila mixture will not freeze rock solid, but it will freeze.
- Make it stronger: Feel free to add 1-2 ounces more tequila if the drink is not strong enough for you.
- Blend just before serving: This keeps it cold as long as possible and prevents it from melting.
Frozen paloma FAQs
What is a Paloma cocktail?
A Paloma is a mixed drink made with three ingredients — tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda, such as Fresca, Wink and Squirt Soda. They are mixed with ice in a cocktail shaker and served on the rocks in a highball glass.
What does Paloma mean?
Paloma is the Spanish word for dove. Believe it or not, it is the most popular drink in Mexico. A fun fact you can share while sipping away!
Looking for more frozen cocktail recipes? Check these out!
If you make this Frozen Palomas recipe, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!
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Frozen Palomas
ingredients
- 8 fl oz grapefruit juice
- 4 fl oz freshly squeezed orange juice I used Cara Cara
- 4 fl oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 oz agave syrup or simple syrup
- 8 oz Blanco tequila
- 2 cups ice
- 1 teaspoon each salt sugar, and tajin, for glass rim
- Grapefruit slices for garnish
- Mint sprigs for garnish
instructions
- Freeze into ice cube molds: Combine grapefruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, agave nectar and Blanco tequila together in a large measuring glass or pitcher. Transfer mixture into ice cube molds and freeze until solid, at least 4-6 hours.
- Blend: Transfer the frozen mixture into a high-power blender with 2 cups of ice. Blend until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds.
- Rim the glass: On a small plate, combine equal amounts of salt, sugar and tajin (about 1 tsp each) onto a small plate. Run the edge of the glass with a grapefruit slice and dip the glass edge into the mixture.
- Garnish and enjoy: Transfer the slushee mixture into 2-4 glasses. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and mint sprig.
notes
Could you keep a bag of these ice cubes in the freezer for last minute drinks when friends pop by, or is your suggestion of only a day before ideal? Can’t wait to try these when the weather gets a bit warmer! Thanks.