The Cranberry Paloma is a cheerful twist on the classic Mexican cocktail, bringing together tart cranberry juice, zesty grapefruit, and crisp tequila for a refreshing and festive drink. It’s perfect for holiday parties, brunch gatherings, or any moment you want a bright splash of flavor in your glass.
Ingredients
-
2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
-
2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
-
2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
-
½ oz fresh lime juice
-
½ oz simple syrup (optional, to taste)
-
Sparkling water or club soda, to top
-
Ice cubes
-
Fresh cranberries and a grapefruit wedge, for garnish
-
Salt or sugar for rimming the glass (optional)
Cooking Time
-
Prep time: 5 minutes
-
Total time: 5 minutes
Serving
-
Serves 1
Instructions
-
Prepare the glass:
If you like, rim your glass with salt or sugar by running a grapefruit wedge around the edge and dipping it into the salt or sugar. -
Mix the drink:
In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake well until chilled. -
Pour and top:
Fill your glass with ice and strain the mixture into it. Top with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy finish. -
Garnish:
Add a few fresh cranberries and a grapefruit wedge for a festive look.
Tips
-
For a sweeter flavor, use cranberry cocktail juice instead of unsweetened cranberry juice.
-
A sprig of rosemary or mint adds a beautiful holiday touch.
-
You can easily make a mocktail version by replacing tequila with sparkling water or grapefruit soda.
Nutrition (per serving)
-
Calories: 160
-
Carbohydrates: 13g
-
Sugars: 10g
-
Protein: 0g
-
Fat: 0g
The Cranberry Paloma combines sweet, tart, and citrusy notes in perfect balance — a sparkling, seasonal cocktail that’s both elegant and easy to make.
