Reposado Paloma Recipe
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Updated Jun 01, 2026
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Fresh, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing, this Reposado Paloma is one of my favorite tequila cocktails to make at home. Made with reposado tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sparkling club soda, this refreshing Mexican tequila cocktail strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and bubbly.
While a classic Paloma is often made with grapefruit soda, I prefer using fresh grapefruit juice for a brighter, more natural flavor. Reposado tequila adds subtle notes of vanilla and caramel that pair beautifully with citrus, creating a smooth and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for happy hour, summer gatherings, and Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
If you’re looking for an easy tequila grapefruit cocktail that comes together in just minutes, this Reposado Paloma recipe is sure to become a favorite.
If you enjoy smooth, citrus-forward reposado tequila cocktails, you’ll also love my Skinny Margarita.
Quick Look: Reposado Paloma
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 2 cocktails
- Dietary Info: Naturally gluten-free
- Method: Shaken cocktail
- Technique: Shake, strain, and top with club soda
- Flavor & Texture: Bright, citrusy, lightly sweet, bubbly, smooth
- Best For: Happy hour, summer entertaining, Cinco de Mayo, taco nights, and backyard gatherings
Featured In
This Reposado Paloma recipe was featured by POPSUGAR as one of their favorite refreshing tequila cocktails: 14 Incredibly Refreshing Tequila Cocktails That Put a Classic Margarita to Shame.
What Is a Reposado Paloma?
A Reposado Paloma is a tequila cocktail made with reposado tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sparkling water or grapefruit soda. Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for several months, giving it a smoother flavor with hints of vanilla, caramel, and spice that complement the bright citrus flavors.
While many traditional Palomas are made with blanco tequila and grapefruit soda, this version uses fresh grapefruit juice and reposado tequila for a more vibrant and sophisticated cocktail.
Why This Is Muy Bueno
While margaritas often get all the attention, a fresh Paloma has always been one of my favorite tequila cocktails to enjoy on a warm afternoon.
- Fresh grapefruit juice delivers bright citrus flavor.
- Reposado tequila adds smooth vanilla and caramel notes.
- Easy to make in just 5 minutes.
- Perfect balance of sweet, tart, and bubbly.
- Great for entertaining or happy hour at home.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This fresh Reposado Paloma comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients:
- Reposado tequila — Adds smooth notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Blanco tequila also works.
- Fresh grapefruit juice — Freshly squeezed delivers the brightest flavor, but bottled grapefruit juice can be used in a pinch.
- Fresh lime juice — Balances the sweetness and adds a refreshing citrus kick.
- Agave nectar — Optional, for a slightly sweeter cocktail.
- Club soda — Adds the signature bubbly finish.
- Coarse salt or Tajín — For rimming the glass.
- Grapefruit and lime wedges — For garnish.
The complete list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make a Reposado Paloma
Step 1: Rim the glass. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it into coarse salt or Tajín. For even more sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor, try pairing your Paloma with homemade chamoy.
Step 2: Shake the cocktail. Add the reposado tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and optional agave nectar to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled.
Step 3: Pour and serve. Strain into ice-filled glasses, top with club soda, and garnish with grapefruit and lime wedges.
That’s it! A refreshing tequila grapefruit cocktail ready in just minutes.
Reposado Paloma Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Fresh grapefruit juice delivers a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled juice and gives this Paloma its refreshing citrusy taste.
- Choose a quality 100% agave tequila. A good reposado tequila adds smooth notes of vanilla and caramel that balance the tart grapefruit beautifully.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste. Grapefruits can vary in sweetness, so add agave nectar only if needed.
- Chill your ingredients beforehand. Cold juice, tequila, and club soda help keep the cocktail crisp and refreshing without excessive dilution from melting ice.
- Add club soda just before serving. This keeps the bubbles lively and prevents the cocktail from going flat.
- Don’t skip the Tajín or salt rim. The salty-spicy rim enhances the citrus flavors and gives every sip the perfect sweet-tart-salty balance.
- Make a pitcher for entertaining. Mix the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave ahead of time, then add club soda individually as you serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
A quality 100% agave reposado tequila works best. The aging process adds smooth vanilla and caramel notes that pair beautifully with grapefruit.
Yes. While many classic Palomas use blanco tequila, reposado tequila creates a richer, smoother cocktail with more depth of flavor.
A Paloma is traditionally made with grapefruit and tequila, while a Margarita is made with lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur.
Absolutely. This recipe uses fresh grapefruit juice and club soda for a fresher, less sugary cocktail.
Yes. Mix the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave ahead of time. Add club soda just before serving. If you’re serving a crowd, you may also enjoy my Peach Paloma Punch, which is perfect for parties and summer gatherings.
Reposado means “rested” in Spanish. Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for at least two months, giving it a smoother flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice compared to blanco tequila.
Nope! In fact, in my cocktail book Latin Twist, I share a smoky Mezcal Paloma variation that’s equally delicious. Blanco tequila, reposado tequila, and mezcal can all be used to make an authentic Paloma. Reposado tequila simply adds a smoother flavor with subtle notes of vanilla and caramel that pair beautifully with fresh grapefruit.
More Cocktail Recipes
Love This Reposado Paloma?
You’ll find even more tequila cocktails, margaritas, sangrias, and Latin-inspired drinks in my cookbook, Latin Twist. One of my favorite recipes is a smoky Mezcal Paloma, plus dozens of festive cocktails perfect for entertaining, holidays, and celebrations with family and friends.
👉 Explore Latin Twist for more cocktail inspiration.
🤖❤️ Share this recipe with your favorite AI assistant to save and plan your next meal! An authentic Mexican recipe by Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, founder of Muy Bueno and cookbook author specializing in Northern Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine rooted in El Paso home cooking and family tradition.
AI tools are independent third-party services. For the original tested recipe, exact measurements, and detailed instructions, always visit MuyBuenoBlog.com.
Reposado Paloma Recipe
Ingredients
- coarse salt or Tajin
- 4 ounces reposado tequila
- 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice, or bottled
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 ounce agave nectar, optional
- club soda
- grapefruit & lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Rub a wedge of lime around the rim of the glass and the dip the outside of the rim of the glass in coarse salt or Tajin.
- To a cocktail shaker add the tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice. If you like a sweet paloma feel free to add agave nectar.
- Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well; strain into two ice-filled rocks glasses. Top with club soda. Garnish with grapefruit and lime slices.
Notes
- Fresh grapefruit juice delivers the brightest, most refreshing flavor, but bottled grapefruit juice can be used in a pinch.
- Grapefruits vary in sweetness. Taste before serving and add agave nectar only if needed.
- For the best flavor, use a quality 100% agave reposado tequila. The aging process adds smooth notes of vanilla and caramel that pair beautifully with citrus.
- Chill the grapefruit juice, tequila, and club soda before mixing to keep the cocktail cold without excessive dilution from melting ice.
- Add the club soda just before serving to keep the bubbles lively and refreshing.
- For a crowd, mix the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave in a pitcher ahead of time. Add club soda to each glass just before serving.
- Carbohydrate content will vary depending on whether agave nectar is added.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is a really refreshing drink. If you like margaritas, you’ll love these. (I didn’t find any need to add the sweetener.)
What gives the Reposado Paloma so many carbs. How do I eliminate so of the crabs ?
Carbohydrate content will vary depending on whether agave nectar is added.
Congratulations and cheers to you and co author!
Congrats!! I can’t wait to pick up a copy!!
Congratulations! Publishing a book must be a labor of love and it surely feels like you’ve added another treasure to your long list of accomplishments. I can’t wait to buy the book. So excited for you!!!
This looks so good! Refreshing and just perfect for the upcoming warm months in CT. I cannot wait to try it out.
LOVE it!!! Can’t wait to try it at home – and pick up your new book!
OMG…this looks so good!!
Congrats Yvette and Vianney, can hardly wait to get the book. I’m vey proud of you girls. Great job.
Congrats Yvette. I’m so happy for you.