Introducing The Paloma Cocktail: The Drink Of The Summer

Summer non-alcoholic drinks are having a moment, and the non-alcoholic Paloma is the star of the show.

We’re calling it. The Paloma is the cocktail of this Summer.

Traditionally overshadowed by its more famous cousin, the Margarita, the Paloma has emerged as an unsung hero of the tequila mocktails in recent years. The Paloma is a harmonious blend of tequila and grapefruit soda, often enhanced with a splash of lime and a salted rim. Its simplicity and refreshing taste have made it a staple in Mexican households and a growing trend in bars globally.

Tequila-based and full of flavour, the Paloma is featuring on every cocktail menu, appearing at garden parties and gatherings and really making a name for itself in the UK too. Learn more about the cocktail of the summer…

Why Is Everyone Loving The Paloma Cocktail Right Now?

There are a few reasons that we reckon the Paloma is going to be the cocktail of Summer. It goes beyond the fact that this mocktail is simply delicious…

1. We’re In A Tequila Boom

In recent years, tequila has seen a major renaissance, moving beyond just shots or Margaritas. As more people discover the versatility of tequila, drinks like the Paloma have come into the spotlight and drinkers are shifting away from sugary cocktails and toward more natural, flavorful options—and the Paloma is a perfect example of that trend.

2. It Tastes Like Summer

The Paloma’s combination of fresh grapefruit, lime, and tequila creates a crisp, refreshing drink that's perfect for warm weather. It’s light and not too heavy on the palate, making it a go-to for casual sipping during summer afternoons or evenings. Its balance of tartness and sweetness is also a major draw, offering a refreshing alternative to more syrupy cocktails.

3. Lower In Sugar

In a time when many people are more health-conscious and concerned about sugar intake, the Paloma stands out as a cocktail that’s often lower in sugar than other popular drinks like the Margarita or even soda-based cocktails. When made with fresh juice and a splash of sparkling water, it feels like a healthier option without sacrificing flavour.

What’s In A Paloma Cocktail?

Bright, refreshing and citrusy. The Paloma is sure to lift your spirits and put a smile on your face. The non-alcoholic Paloma is just as delicious (especially if you’re using CleanCo).

Here’s what’s in a clean Paloma.

- 50ml Clean T

- 150ml Pink Grapefruit Soda*

- 1 wedge of Lime, squeezed

- Sea salt

- Slice of grapefruit, to garnish

Top tip: If you can't find Pink Grapefruit Soda, make your own by mixing 50ml fresh Grapefruit juice with 100ml Soda Water!

Discover the full recipe here.

History Of The Paloma

The original Paloma is the national cocktail of Mexico. The Paloma - Spanish for "dove" - has a history that blends regional agriculture, clever marketing, and evolving bar culture. While the exact origin of the drink remains a bit of a mystery, its rise to prominence in the United States is more clearly traced.

Bartender Evan Harrison played a key role in popularizing the Paloma north of the border. He featured it in his mid-20th century pamphlet Popular Cocktails of the Rio Grande, which drew attention to this lesser-known drink. The title of the booklet nods to Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, an area recognized for its abundant grapefruit production.

Back in 1929, something unusual happened in that region. A citrus grower named A.E. Henninger noticed that some of his pink grapefruits had developed a distinctive reddish tint. That unexpected variation led to the discovery of the Ruby Red Grapefruit.

It wasn’t just a new variety—it became the first citrus fruit in the U.S. to receive a patent. This innovation didn’t just change fruit farming in Texas; it also helped shift local palates toward grapefruit-based drinks like the Paloma, especially in contrast to the ever-popular Margarita.

The Evolution Of The Paloma

Traditionally, the Mexican version of the Paloma uses grapefruit-flavoured soda, with Jarritos being a common choice. The soda's sweetness and effervescence combine with the sharpness of fresh lime juice and the earthy notes of tequila—typically blanco—for a drink that’s both crisp and complex. Some variations even include reposado tequila, which adds a touch of oak and depth to the flavour.

As cocktail culture has evolved, so has the Paloma. Many modern bartenders now prefer using fresh grapefruit juice instead of soda, aiming for a cleaner, more natural taste. In these versions, sparkling water replaces soda to maintain the signature fizz, and a bit of agave syrup is often added to balance the tart citrus with a gentle sweetness.

Twists On The Paloma

There are tons of fun spins on the classic Paloma, and bartenders have been experimenting with the base recipe for years. At its core, the Paloma is tequila, grapefruit, lime, fizz, which makes it a perfect canvas for creative twists.

Some of the classic twists include:

- Spicy Paloma: Adds heat—usually with muddled jalapeño, chili-infused tequila, or a Tajín rim.

- Herbal Paloma. Infuses or garnishes with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or mint.

- Blood Orange Paloma. Adds blood orange, orange for a more complex citrus profile.

- Coconut Paloma. Adds coconut water for a tropical flavour.

- Za’atar Paloma. Adds Za’atar spice. You can find this one, featuring CleanCo’s Clean T down at Hakassan.

Try The Non-Alcoholic Paloma For Yourself

Fancy trying the non-alcoholic version? 

We’ve got a much-loved Paloma recipe on our website that we love! With such simple ingredients, this recipe is an ideal crowd pleaser on a sunny day.

Make your own Clean Paloma, with 0.0% alcohol here.