If you’re in the mood for something light, fruity, and refreshing, this strawberry paloma recipe is a great one to try. It takes the classic Paloma and adds fresh strawberries for a fun twist and a splash of color.
The Paloma has been a favorite tequila drink in Mexico for years. Some even say it's more popular than the margarita. This version keeps that crisp grapefruit flavor and blends it with sweet berries to make it feel a little more special.
It's simple to make, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and tastes like something you'd order at a good cocktail bar. I’ll walk you through each step and share a few tips to help you nail the flavor every time.
This cocktail builds on the classic paloma with fresh strawberries that add sweetness and vibrant color. You'll need basic bar tools and ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.
Tequila
Blanco is the cleanest option and lets the strawberry flavor shine. Reposado adds oak and vanilla notes. Mezcal gives a smoky twist if you want something bolder.
Fresh Strawberries
Muddle 3 to 4 berries in the shaker or blend them into a puree for a smoother drink. Frozen strawberries work too if thawed.
Lime Juice
Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the best flavor. Use about 1/2 ounce per drink.
Simple Syrup / Agave
Simple syrup is easy to mix and lets you control the sweetness. Agave goes well with tequila. Honey adds flavor but takes more effort to stir.
Grapefruit Juice
Fresh grapefruit juice gives a bright, tart flavor. Great if you prefer something less sweet.
Sparkling Water
Club soda adds fizz when using fresh juice. You can also use grapefruit soda like Squirt or Jarritos for a quicker, sweeter option.
You don’t need much to make a great Strawberry Paloma at home. Just grab a few basic tools to get started.
If you don’t have some of these on hand, consider picking up a complete stainless steel bar kit. It’s a great all-in-one set to upgrade your home bartending setup.
This fruity take on the classic Paloma starts with a few fresh strawberries. Blend them into a smooth puree if you want a more even texture, or just muddle them directly in your shaker for a bit more body.
Muddle the strawberries first to bring out their flavor, then add your tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and your choice of simple syrup or agave. Fill the shaker with ice and shake it well for about 15 to 20 seconds until it feels nice and frosty in your hands.
To prep your glass, rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip it into salt or TajÃn if you want an extra kick. Fill the glass with fresh ice, then strain the mix over it. Top it off with sparkling water for that crisp, fizzy finish.
Take a quick sip and tweak the flavor if needed. You can add more lime juice for brightness or a little extra syrup if you like it sweeter.
Finish it off with a strawberry slice, a lime wedge, and a sprig of basil or mint. A gentle stir brings everything together before serving.
The exact amounts and step-by-step recipe card are just below so you can follow it easily.
Every version keeps that sweet-tart strawberry and grapefruit combo but gives you a new way to enjoy it. Try the one that fits your vibe.
If you enjoyed the strawberry Paloma, here are more tequila cocktails you’ll want to try next:
Tequila blanco delivers the best results for strawberry palomas because its clean, crisp flavor won't overpower the fresh fruit notes. This clear tequila lets the strawberry and grapefruit flavors shine through without competition.
Reposado tequila adds more complexity but can mask those bright strawberry notes you want to highlight. For great options, try Espolòn for budget-friendly mixing, Casamigos for smooth sipping, or Corralejo for balanced flavor.
Highball or Collins glasses work best for strawberry palomas because they provide plenty of room for ice and fizzy mixers. These tall glasses also show off the drink's beautiful pink color and allow space for garnishes.
Rocks or lowball glasses work fine for casual settings if you prefer a shorter drink format. Consider rimming your glass with salt or TajÃn to boost both presentation and flavor with each sip.
A typical strawberry paloma contains about 10-12% alcohol by volume when made with 2 ounces of tequila. This puts it in the same strength range as a strong wine or light cocktail.
You can easily adjust the strength by reducing the tequila amount or adding more grapefruit soda and ginger beer. Adding extra sparkling water also helps dilute the drink while keeping those bubbles you love.
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