The Christmas Paloma is a festive twist on the classic drink, bursting with cheerful flavors! Juicy grapefruit juice, zesty lime, and sparkling soda make it refreshing and fun for the holidays.
Add a splash of tequila, and you’re ready for holiday cheers! I love serving it with festive garnishes like cranberries or a sprig of rosemary. It’s a simple drink that brightens any gathering! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tequila Blanco: This is the star of the drink. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, you can use silver tequila instead. For a non-alcoholic version, you might try a non-alcoholic tequila alternative available at many stores.
Grapefruit Juice: Fresh grapefruit juice is best for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled grapefruit juice will work too, but check for added sugars. You can use orange juice for a sweeter taste if you’re not keen on grapefruit.
Simple Syrup: This sweetens the drink. You can easily make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar in water. For lower-calorie or natural alternatives, consider using agave syrup or honey.
Cranberry Juice: Adds a festive color and tartness. If you’re looking for a lighter drink, opt for unsweetened cranberry juice or a cranberry sparkling drink instead.
How Do You Ensure Your Christmas Paloma is Refreshingly Chilled?
Getting the drink cold is key to enjoying a Christmas Paloma. Start by filling the glass with crushed ice to keep it colder longer. When shaking the ingredients, fill the shaker with enough ice, so it chills the mix effectively while shaking!
- Combine your ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds—this also helps to dilute the drink just enough to enhance the flavors.
- Strain quickly into the ice-filled glass to keep it refreshing and cold.
Enjoy your holiday drink and the cheer it brings! Cheers!
Christmas Paloma Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Tequila Blanco: 2 oz
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice: 2 oz (preferably ruby red)
- Fresh Lime Juice: 1/2 oz
- Cranberry Juice: 1/2 oz (for festive color and tartness)
- Simple Syrup: 1/2 oz (adjust sweetness to taste)
- Soda: Sparkling grapefruit soda or club soda, to top
- Ice: Ice cubes or crushed ice
- Garnishes: Fresh rosemary sprig, fresh cranberries, and grapefruit wedge
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Christmas Paloma takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for holiday gatherings—just mix, shake, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by taking a rocks glass and fill it generously with crushed ice. This will keep your drink nice and cold!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in the tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. This blend of bright flavors is what makes the drink special!
3. Shake It Up!
Cover the shaker and shake everything together until it’s well-chilled, about 10-15 seconds. This is also where you’ll mix all those wonderful flavors together!
4. Strain and Pour:
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over the crushed ice. This keeps the drink refreshing and prevents any pulp from getting into your glass.
5. Top It Off:
Add a sparkle by topping off your drink with the sparkling grapefruit soda or club soda. You can adjust how much you add depending on how bubbly you want it!
6. Garnish It:
For a festive touch, garnish your drink with a fresh rosemary sprig, a slice of grapefruit on the rim, and a few cranberries added right into the glass.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Christmas Paloma is ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing twist on a classic cocktail with family and friends. Cheers!
Can I Use Other Types of Alcohol?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can substitute tequila with vodka or mezcal for a smoky twist. Just keep in mind the overall flavor profile may change slightly.
Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
Yes! To create a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the tequila with more grapefruit soda or a non-alcoholic tequila alternative. This way, you still get a festive and refreshing drink without the alcohol.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of simple syrup in the recipe. Taste the drink after mixing; if it’s too tart, add a little more syrup until you reach your desired sweetness level!
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
For any leftover fresh juices, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just shake or stir before using, as they may separate while sitting!
