The Zesty Ina Garten’s Pink Grapefruit Palomas Recipe

Cocktail enthusiasts adore a refreshing pink grapefruit palomas that dance with bright, zesty flavors and a perfect balance of sweetness.

Ina Garten’s twist brings an elegant touch to this classic Mexican drink.

The vibrant citrus notes blend seamlessly with tequila, creating a sophisticated and irresistible beverage.

Silver tequila provides a crisp foundation that complements the tangy grapefruit juice.

Fresh lime adds a sharp, invigorating kick that awakens the senses.

Sparkling water introduces a light, effervescent quality that makes each sip utterly delightful.

You’ll love how this cocktail transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable celebration of flavor and style.

How to Present Pink Grapefruit Palomas in Style

• Spruce Up the Rim: Create a zesty salt-sugar blend for glass edges, adding a delightful sweet-salty kick that elevates the entire drinking experience.
• Chill and Showcase: Serve the palomas in frosty glasses with fresh grapefruit wedges, making each drink look Instagram-worthy and refreshing.
• Perfect Party Companion: Batch this cocktail ahead of time for gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a professional-style mixed drink without last-minute preparation stress.
• Summer Sipping Delight: Pair with light appetizers like ceviche, fresh seafood, or Mexican-inspired small plates to complement the bright, citrusy cocktail flavors.

Keeping Palomas Fresh Before the Toast

• Chill Before Serving: Prepare the cocktail mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate in a sealed pitcher to enhance flavor melding and save party prep time.
• Quick Batch Mixing: Make a larger quantity of the cocktail base and store in the refrigerator, allowing quick and easy serving for unexpected guests or spontaneous gatherings.
• Rim Preparation Tip: Create salted-sugar rims ahead of time and store glasses in a clean, dry area to streamline drink assembly during entertaining.
• Ingredient Freshness Check: Use freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juice within 2-3 days of juicing for optimal taste and vibrant cocktail experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 195 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Ina Garten’s Pink Grapefruit Palomas

• Salt, Sugar: Adds a zesty, sweet crunch that elevates the cocktail's sensory experience; choose fine-grain varieties for smooth, even coating.

• Grapefruit Juice: Provides vibrant, tangy citrus foundation; select fresh, ripe grapefruits for maximum flavor intensity.
• Tequila: Delivers spirited kick and authentic Mexican cocktail character; opt for smooth, high-quality blanco or silver tequila.
• Lime Juice: Introduces bright, sharp citrus notes; fresh-squeezed ensures optimal zestiness.
• Simple Syrup: Balances tartness with gentle sweetness; homemade version offers more authentic flavor profile.

• Grapefruit Wedge: Adds visual appeal and aromatic citrus essence; choose firm, glossy fruits for best presentation.
• Ice: Chills and slightly dilutes cocktail, creating smooth, refreshing texture; use large, clear cubes for slower melting.

Tools for Crafting Palomas with Grapefruit & Ina’s Twist

• Cocktail shaker: Essential for chilling and mixing the drink thoroughly.
• Pitcher: Perfect for combining all liquid ingredients smoothly.
• Small plate: Used for creating the salt and sugar rim mixture.
• Cocktail glasses (10-ounce): Ideal for serving the refreshing paloma.
• Ice cubes: Necessary for chilling and diluting the cocktail.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient proportions.
• Grapefruit wedge: Used for moistening glass rims and garnishing.

How to Mix a Paloma Cocktail à la Ina Garten

• Grapefruit Rim Preparation

Create a festive salt and sugar coating for glass edges by mixing salt and sugar on a small plate. Moisten glass rims with fresh grapefruit wedge, then gently dip into the sparkling mixture. Let glasses dry and set aside.

• Cocktail Blending

In a large pitcher, combine fresh grapefruit juice, robust tequila, zesty lime juice, sweet simple syrup, and a whisper of salt. Stir ingredients until they dance together harmoniously.

• Chilling and Serving

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then pour in the vibrant liquid mixture. Shake energetically for half a minute, allowing the drink to become frosty and perfectly balanced. Pour into prepared glasses, add a few ice cubes, and crown with a juicy grapefruit wedge. Serve immediately while the drink remains tantalizingly cold.

Paloma Flavor Variations Ina Would Approve

• Elevate your Pink Grapefruit Palomas with these expert tips and creative twists.
• Refrigerate glasses beforehand to keep your cocktail frosty and refreshing longer, preventing immediate ice melt.
• Choose a high-quality blanco or reposado tequila for a smoother, more sophisticated flavor profile that complements the citrusy notes.
• Experiment with different rim coatings like Tajín seasoning, chili powder, or smoked sea salt to add unexpected depth and kick to your drink.
• Always use freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juice for a vibrant, bright taste that store-bought juices can't match – the difference is remarkable.

Vibrant Pink Grapefruit Palomas Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pink Grapefruit Palomas cocktail blends zesty citrus with tequila for a refreshing Mexican libation. Ina Garten’s signature recipe promises a balanced, tangy drink you’ll savor during warm afternoons or festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 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)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (60 ml, from 2 limes)
• 2 tbsps simple syrup (30 ml, see note)
• 2 tbsps sugar (25 g)
• ¼ cup kosher salt (60 ml)
• Grapefruit wedge, plus extra for garnish

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Instructions

1. Rim Preparation: Generate a delicate salt-sugar coating by combining fine salt and granulated sugar. Moisten glass edges using a grapefruit wedge, then delicately dip into the seasoning mixture. Set glasses aside to dry naturally.
2. Liquid Composition: Combine grapefruit juice, tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and sea salt in a large pitcher. Whisk ingredients meticulously to create a harmonious blend, ensuring complete flavor integration.
3. Chilling and Mixing: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Pour the prepared liquid mixture into the shaker, potentially in incremental batches. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the cocktail, releasing its vibrant essence.
4. Presentation and Serving: Pour the chilled paloma into prepared glasses, topping with additional ice cubes. Crown each drink with a fresh grapefruit wedge as a sophisticated garnish. Serve immediately to preserve the cocktail’s crisp, invigorating temperature and maximize flavor profile.

Notes

• Rim Preparation Tip: Use fine salt and sugar for a perfectly textured, evenly distributed glass edge that enhances flavor and visual appeal.
• Juice Quality Matters: Always choose fresh grapefruit and lime juice for maximum flavor intensity and bright, authentic cocktail character.
• Shake Technique: Vigorously shake for exactly 30 seconds to achieve optimal temperature, dilution, and smooth blending of ingredients.
• Serve Immediately Strategy: Enjoy palomas right after mixing to preserve crisp, cold temperature and prevent flavor degradation or ice over-melting.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 15 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