Fresh Paloma Magic: Ina Garten’s Frozen Recipe

Cool summer evenings call for a refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of relaxation, and Ina Garten’s frozen palomas deliver pure liquid magic.

This delightful beverage blends tequila with zesty grapefruit juice in a frosty, sophisticated mix.

Smooth, tangy, and perfectly balanced, the drink promises to become your new go-to summer sipper.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a cocktail that feels both elegant and laid-back.

Each sip transports you to a breezy Mexican cantina with its bright, citrusy notes.

Garten’s expert touch ensures this frozen paloma is a showstopper that will impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiasts.

Get ready to shake up your summer drink game with this irresistible frozen sensation.

Must-Have Tools for Ina’s Frozen Grapefruit Cocktails

• Blender: Essential for creating smooth, icy cocktail consistency.
• Quart Container: Perfect for freezing the cocktail mixture overnight.
• Highball Glasses: Ideal for serving the frozen paloma cocktail.
• Fork: Useful for breaking up the frozen mixture before blending.
• Measuring Cup: Helps accurately measure liquid ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Necessary for precise salt measurement.

Making Frozen Palomas the Garten Way

Frozen Grapefruit Paradise

• Flavor Base Preparation

Mix fresh grapefruit juice, tequila, zesty lime, and sweet syrup in a container. Slide into the freezer for a minimum of six hours or overnight until completely solid.

• Frosty Transformation

Crack the frozen block into chunks using a fork. Transfer half the mixture to a blender, toss in some ice cubes and a tiny pinch of salt. Whirl until silky smooth and slushy.

• Glass Magic

Pour the icy concoction into tall glasses. Repeat blending process with remaining frozen mixture for a second batch of refreshing goodness.

• Elegant Finishing

Crown each glass with a juicy grapefruit wedge. Serve immediately while the drink is frosty and inviting, transporting you to a tropical beach escape.

Tips for Blending the Perfect Frozen Drink

• Expert Tips & Twists
• Customize the simple syrup to match your taste preferences, using more or less to create a perfectly balanced cocktail.
• Experiment with different tequila varieties like blanco, reposado, or añejo to discover unique flavor profiles in your frozen drink.
• Add a tiny pinch of chili powder or jalapeño-infused simple syrup for an unexpected warming sensation that complements the citrus.
• Make large batches of the frozen mixture and store in individual portion containers for instant cocktail magic during summer gatherings or unexpected guests.
• Enhance presentation by rolling glass edges in a mixture of salt, chili powder, and lime zest for an extra flavor burst and stunning visual appeal.

Serving Frozen Palomas Ina’s Way

• Savor a Frosty Fiesta: Paloma Presentation Ideas
• Rim the Glass with Zesty Salt: Create a tangy border by rubbing the glass rim with a grapefruit wedge and dipping it in coarse salt for extra flavor punch.
• Add a Citrus Splash: Garnish each glass with a fresh ruby red grapefruit wedge and a small sprig of fresh mint to elevate the cocktail's visual appeal and aromatic profile.
• Chill with Style: Serve the frozen Palomas in elegant highball glasses on a rustic wooden tray with additional citrus slices scattered around for a stunning summer party centerpiece.

How to Keep Frozen Cocktails Slushy & Fresh

• Freeze for Future Fun: Prepare the Paloma mixture up to 2 months in advance, storing it in an airtight freezer-safe container for quick cocktail preparation anytime.
• Keep Cocktail Quality: Store the frozen mixture flat to ensure even freezing and prevent crystallization, maintaining the smooth texture of your drink.
• Smart Ingredient Management: Keep fresh grapefruit juice and tequila on hand for easy batch mixing, allowing spontaneous cocktail creation during warm days or gatherings.
• Thaw with Care: If the frozen mixture becomes too solid, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before blending, ensuring a perfect slushy consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s in Ina Garten’s Frozen Palomas

• Grapefruit Juice: Provides the signature tangy flavor that defines this refreshing cocktail, selecting fresh or high-quality bottled juice ensures vibrant taste.
• Tequila: Brings warmth and authentic Mexican spirit, choose a smooth blanco or silver tequila for clean, crisp mixed drink.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, zesty undertone that balances the sweetness and enhances overall cocktail complexity.
• Simple Syrup: Delivers smooth sweetness and helps create the perfect frozen texture, homemade syrup offers better flavor control.

• Ice: Creates the signature frosty consistency and helps achieve the perfect slushy texture when blended.
• Salt: Enhances flavor depth and balances the cocktail's sweetness, a tiny pinch elevates the entire drink.

• Ruby Red Grapefruit Wedge: Provides a beautiful visual presentation and offers a fresh citrus accent that complements the drink's flavor profile.

Smooth Ina Garten Frozen Palomas Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s frozen palomas blend Mexican cocktail traditions with refreshing summer coolness. Smooth tequila and zesty grapefruit juice create a perfectly balanced frozen drink perfect for relaxing afternoons when you want something sophisticated and chilled.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 360 ml | 1½ cups ruby red grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed)
• 240 ml | 1 cup white tequila
• 120 ml | ½ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 480 ml | 2 cups ice
• 60 ml | ¼ cup simple syrup
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• 4 thin wedges ruby red grapefruit

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously combine grapefruit juice, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup in a quart-sized container, ensuring thorough mixing for a harmonious flavor profile.
2. Freezing Stage: Transfer the liquid mixture to the freezer, allowing it to solidify completely for 6-8 hours or overnight until transformed into a compact frozen block.
3. Blending Technique: Fragment the frozen mixture with a fork, breaking it into manageable chunks, then transfer half the mixture to a high-powered blender with additional ice cubes and a pinch of salt.
4. Texture Refinement: Pulse and blend the ingredients until achieving a smooth, uniform slushy consistency with no visible ice crystals, creating a velvety frozen texture.
5. Initial Serving: Pour the first batch of blended mixture into chilled highball glasses, repeating the blending process with the remaining frozen mixture to complete the second serving.
6. Presentation Finale: Artfully garnish each glass with a ruby red grapefruit wedge, positioned elegantly on the rim to enhance both visual appeal and citrus essence, then serve immediately to preserve the optimal slushy consistency.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Exact measurements of grapefruit juice, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup are crucial for achieving the perfect flavor balance.
• Freezing Strategy: Allow the mixture to freeze completely for at least 6 hours or overnight, ensuring a solid block for smooth blending.
• Blending Technique: Break frozen mixture into smaller chunks and blend in batches with additional ice and salt to create a consistent, slushy texture.
• Serving Tips: Serve immediately in chilled glasses and garnish with fresh grapefruit wedges to maintain optimal temperature and enhance presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg