I’m low key becoming more and more of a cocktail person. Wine, specifically a juicy Cabernet, will always be my first love. But a good cocktail is where it’s at! And with the year we’ve had, we deserve to be a little tipsy this New Year’s Eve. This sparkling Paloma is extra special because we are doubling the booze and using both tequila and champagne.
The Paloma has always been one of my favorite cocktails. It was my very first drink on my 21st birthday. I worked at a Mexican restaurant at the time and it was absolutely amazing. I did stop drinking these after a few years because it was all I drank for a while. But recently, I am rediscovering why I love them. Everything about this drink is oh so refreshing.
Now, If you’ve ever had Paloma, you know it’s a Mexican tequila-based cocktail. It’s usually made with a mixture of tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda like jarritos or Fresca. It is incredibly refreshing and absolutely delicious. Now, we all know I am not Mexican, and whenever I remake a recipe or dish is that rooted in another culture, I like to be clear that my version is not traditional. I’ve always been a huge fan of Mexican cuisine and whenever I get a chance to create something that celebrates their culture, it’s always the best.
HOW TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR SPARKLING PALOMA
Like I mentioned before, Palomas are usually made with grapefruit soda, tequila, and lime juice. For this recipe, I decided to “make” my own grapefruit soda because well, I wanted to make sure I actually know what’s in my drink. To replicate grapefruit soda, I’m combining fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and homemade simple syrup.
Of course, you can certainly use grapefruit or blood orange soda and cut out the simple syrup all together. You can also try adding herbs like thyme and Rosemary. Definitely have fun and make it your own!
Let’s Get Cooking
Let’s Get Cooking
Boozy New Years Eve Sparkling Paloma
This cocktail is slightly sweet and refreshing with grapefruit and lime. With double the booze, tequila, and champagne, it’s the perfect new years eve turn up cocktail.
This cocktail is slightly sweet and refreshing with grapefruit and lime. With double the booze, tequila, and champagne, it’s the perfect new years eve turn up cocktail.
Prep Time:5 mins
Total Time:5 mins
Yields:2 Serves
1X
2X
3X
Ingredients
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cocktail or coarse salt
-
ice
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1/2
cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
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1-ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
-
1
1/2 ounce simple syrup
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2
ounces tequila
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champagne to top
-
grapefruit and lime slices to garnish
Instructions
- To begin, pour some salt on a plate, rub half of the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit wedge and dip the rim of the glass in the salt. Set the glasses aside for later.
- Now, to a cocktail shaker, add some ice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and tequila. Cover and shake to combine. Add ice to your prepared glasses, and pour an equal amount of the grapefruit mixture into each glass. Top the champagne, garnish with grapefruit and lime slices and enjoy!
I don’t like grapefruit juice so will try with orange or tangerine juice, thanks for the idea.
You’re welcome Angie!
This was the perfect drink for New Years Eve! My fiancé loves tequila but I needed a break from our typical margaritas. So refreshing and tasty!
YES! I love that! so happy you enjoyed it!
Yum! These were the perfect New Years Eve drink.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review Theresa!