The Ultimate Ina Garten Pink Grapefruit Palomas Recipe

Pink Grapefruit Palomas bring vibrant citrus magic into your cocktail world with their tantalizing blend of zesty and smooth flavors.

Tropical and bright, these drinks dance between sweet and tart sensations that awaken your taste buds.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cocktail represents the perfect balance of refreshment and complexity.

Citrus lovers will appreciate the intricate layers that transform a simple beverage into an extraordinary experience.

The drink combines elements that complement each other seamlessly, creating a harmonious sip from start to finish.

Light and invigorating, these palomas capture the essence of summer in a single glass.

You can elevate any gathering with this crowd-pleasing libation that promises pure enjoyment: Grab your shaker and let the mixing begin!

What Makes Pink Grapefruit Palomas a Crowd Pleaser

• Craft a Zesty Flavor Symphony: This paloma recipe bursts with vibrant citrus notes, blending tangy grapefruit juice, bright lime, and smooth tequila that dance together in perfect harmony.
• Elevate Your Cocktail Game: The salt-sugar rim transforms an ordinary drink into a gourmet experience, adding a sophisticated touch that surprises and delights your taste buds with each sip.
• Quick and Crowd-Pleasing Preparation: Designed for effortless entertaining, this cocktail comes together in minutes, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or lazy weekend afternoons with friends.
• Master Mixologist at Home: The simple shaking technique ensures a perfectly chilled, well-balanced drink that rivals professional bartender skills, giving you confidence to impress guests with minimal effort.

Everything You’ll Need for a Pink Paloma

• Grapefruit Juice: Fresh, sweet-tart juice that gives the cocktail its signature pink color and bright flavor. Best when freshly squeezed for maximum taste.
• Tequila: The spirited base of the cocktail, providing a smooth and robust alcoholic foundation. Choose a high-quality blanco or silver tequila for clean flavor.
• Lime Juice: Adds a zesty citrus punch and balances the sweetness of the drink. Fresh lime juice is always recommended over bottled.

• Simple Syrup: Provides a smooth sweetness that softens the drink's sharp edges. Homemade or store-bought works perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and creates a classic rimming mixture when combined with sugar.
• Sugar: Adds a light sweetness to the rim and balances the salt for a complex taste experience.

• Grapefruit Wedge: A fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and allows guests to squeeze extra juice if desired. Choose ripe, firm grapefruits for the best look.
• Ice Cubes: Chills the cocktail and provides a refreshing texture. Use clean, filtered water for best results.

How to Mix This Fruity, Refreshing Cocktail

Step 1: Prepare Sparkling Rim

Mix salt and sugar on a small plate. Glide a fresh grapefruit wedge around glass edges to moisten. Gently dip rims into salt-sugar blend. Allow rims to dry naturally.

Step 2: Craft Cocktail Base

Pour ingredients into a large pitcher. Stir mixture thoroughly until well combined.

• Grapefruit juice
• Tequila
• Lime juice
• Simple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Step 3: Shake and Chill Cocktail

Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Transfer cocktail mixture into shaker. Shake energetically for half a minute to cool and blend flavors.

Step 4: Serve Refreshing Palomas

Pour shaken cocktail into prepared glasses. Add extra ice cubes. Garnish with grapefruit wedge. Ensure serving temperature is cold.

Tips to Balance Tart and Sweet

• Squeeze for Freshness: Freshly squeezed citrus juices make a world of difference in your Paloma. Store-bought juice can't compare to the bright, zesty flavor of fruit squeezed moments before mixing.
• Chill Like a Pro: Pop your glasses in the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving. Frosty glasses keep your cocktail wonderfully cold and add a touch of professional bartender magic.
• Sweeten Smart: Start with less simple syrup and taste as you go. Everyone's sweet tooth differs, so customize the drink to your perfect balance of tart and sweet.
• Batch with Confidence: When hosting a crowd, mix your Palomas in larger quantities. Shake each batch separately to ensure every drink is perfectly chilled and consistently delicious.
• Garnish with Flair: A grapefruit wedge isn't just decoration – it's a flavor booster. The fresh citrus rim adds an aromatic element that elevates the entire cocktail experience.

Storing Palomas Without Losing Their Sparkle

• Batch Preparation: Mix a large pitcher of Pink Grapefruit Palomas ahead of time and store in glass containers with tight-sealing lids. Keep refrigerated and enjoy within 48 hours for maximum flavor freshness.
• Ingredient Separation: Store tequila, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup in separate sealed containers in the refrigerator. This method prevents dilution and allows you to craft individual cocktails quickly when guests arrive.
• Ice Strategy: Freeze extra grapefruit juice in ice cube trays for future cocktails. Pop out cubes and store in freezer-safe bags, ensuring you always have a chilled, flavor-packed base for spontaneous drink mixing.

Paloma Twists for Any Season

• Spicy Grapefruit Paloma: Add a dash of jalapeño-infused tequila or muddle fresh jalapeño slices for a fiery kick that complements the citrusy base.
• Herbal Refresher Paloma: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs during shaking to introduce an aromatic herbal dimension to the classic cocktail.
• Mezcal Smoky Edition: Swap traditional tequila with mezcal for a deeper, smokier profile that transforms the drink's overall character and complexity.
• Winter Citrus Blend: Replace half the grapefruit juice with blood orange juice for a richer, slightly sweeter version with a beautiful deep pink color.

Cheers to Grapefruit Cocktails

Paloma cocktails from Ina Garten’s kitchen promise pure Mexican-inspired magic.

Sophisticated salt-sugar rims signal gourmet craftsmanship waiting inside each glass.

Zesty grapefruit tangoes with smooth tequila, creating liquid poetry for sophisticated sippers.

Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate balanced complexity between citrus notes and spirited undertones.

Summer gatherings gain remarkable elegance through these pink-hued libations.

Mexican mixology reaches delightful heights with this signature Garten recipe – each sip whispers culinary brilliance.

Dive deep into cocktail craft, share this recipe with cocktail-loving friends, comment below with sparkling reactions, and let passion for extraordinary drinks flow freely.

Ina Garten Pink Grapefruit Palomas Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Pink Grapefruit Palomas blend zesty citrus with smooth tequila for a refreshing Mexican cocktail. Sparkling grapefruit juice and silver tequila create a perfect balance of tangy and smooth flavors you’ll want to sip and savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup tequila blanco (240 ml, such as Casamigos)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed pink or ruby grapefruit juice (240 ml, from 1 to 2 grapefruits)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons sugar (25 g)
• 2 tablespoons simple syrup (30 ml, see note)

Citrus and Seasoning:

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (60 ml, from 2 limes)
• ¼ cup kosher salt (60 ml)
• Grapefruit wedge, plus extra for garnish

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Instructions

1. Craft the salt-sugar rim by blending fine salt and granulated sugar on a shallow dish. Utilize a fresh grapefruit wedge to delicately moisten the edges of four 10-ounce () glasses, then gently coat the rims with the salt-sugar mixture. Allow the glasses to air dry and set aside.
2. In a spacious pitcher, harmonize freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, premium tequila, zesty lime juice, smooth simple syrup, and a subtle pinch of sea salt. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly to ensure complete integration of flavors.
3. Load a cocktail shaker halfway with crisp ice cubes. Transfer the liquid mixture into the shaker, potentially working in small batches. Energetically shake the concoction for approximately 30 seconds, chilling the beverage and introducing a slight dilution.
4. Distribute the vibrant cocktail into the prepared glasses, filling each to the brim. Enhance the presentation by adding additional ice cubes and garnishing with a wedge of juicy grapefruit. Serve immediately while the beverage remains refreshingly cold, repeating the process for the remaining mixture.

Notes

• Transform cocktail ingredients right before mixing for maximum zest and brightness in every sip.
• Experiment with tequila varieties like blanco or reposado to discover your personal flavor profile that elevates the classic Paloma.
• Craft homemade simple syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and water for a cleaner, more authentic sweetness compared to bottled versions.
• Select premium, fresh citrus fruits from local markets to guarantee a vibrant and authentic Mexican cocktail experience.
• Store extra cocktail mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, ensuring maximum flavor preservation and convenience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 drink (1/4 of the recipe)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg