How to Make the Perfect Virgin Paloma
Mexican · Easy · 5 min · 1 servings
The Virgin Paloma is a bright and tangy non-alcoholic version of Mexico most popular cocktail, combining fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sparkling water with a salted rim for a sophisticated mocktail. This refreshing alcohol-free drink recipe is perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, summer parties, or any time you want a zesty citrus mocktail without tequila.
Why this recipe works
This Virgin Paloma recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 5 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 80 calories with 1g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz sparkling water or grapefruit soda
- 1 tsp coarse salt for rim
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 slice grapefruit
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salted Rim
Run a lime wedge around the rim of a tall glass then dip it into a plate of coarse salt to create the classic Paloma salted rim.
Step 2: Fill Glass with Ice
Carefully fill the salt-rimmed glass with ice cubes without disturbing the salt rim.
Step 3: Add Juices
Pour the fresh grapefruit juice and lime juice over the ice and stir gently to combine the citrus flavors.
Step 4: Top with Sparkling Water and Garnish
Top with sparkling water or grapefruit soda, garnish with a grapefruit slice on the rim, and serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh grapefruit juice → store-bought ruby red grapefruit juice for convenience though fresh is preferred
- sparkling water → grapefruit flavored soda such as Jarritos or Squirt for extra sweetness and flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using bottled grapefruit juice with added sugar instead of fresh which makes the drink overly sweet and less refreshing
- Skipping the salted rim which is a defining characteristic of the Paloma and adds essential flavor contrast
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 80 calories, 1g protein, 20g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →