Go Back
Homemade Paloma Cocktail

Must Try Vegan Homemade Paloma Cocktail Recipe

Hey—you. Yes, you with the slightly tired week and a fridge that definitely has grapefruit somewhere. Want a quick, vegan Paloma Cocktail that tastes like sunshine, not effort? I got you. This version keeps things totally egg-free (no weird foams unless you want them), simple, and ready in 5 minutes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: cocktail
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz tequila use a 100% agave tequila if you can — it tastes smoother.
  • 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice strain the pulp if you prefer smooth.
  • 2 oz sparkling water or club soda.
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice about half a lime.
  • ¼ oz agave nectar or simple syrup adjust to taste.
  • Coarse sea salt for the rim optional but iconic.
  • Ice plenty.
  • Grapefruit wedge for garnish.
  • Bold note: This recipe uses no eggs. If a recipe you saw earlier listed egg white for foam—ignore it or use a vegan alternative I list below.

Equipment

  • Cocktail glass (highball or Collins works)
  • Jigger or measuring tool (2 oz, ½ oz)
  • Citrus squeezer (optional but helpful)
  • Small plate for the salt rim
  • Stirrer or bar spoon (no shaking required here unless you want to)
  • Optional: Cocktail shaker if you prefer to mix cold first

Method
 

  1. Salt the rim (optional). Run a grapefruit wedge around the glass rim and dip it into coarse sea salt. This step adds contrast—don’t skip unless you hate happiness.
  2. Add tequila and juices. Pour 2 oz tequila, 2 oz grapefruit juice, and ½ oz lime juice into the glass.
  3. Sweeten. Add ¼ oz agave nectar (adjust depending on how bitter the grapefruit is).
  4. Ice. Fill the glass with ice.
  5. Top with sparkling water. Pour 2 oz of sparkling water to finish.
  6. Stir gently. Mix until the drink chills and the agave distributes evenly.
  7. Garnish. Pop a grapefruit wedge on the rim and enjoy.
  8. See? 5 minutes. You just made a Paloma Cocktail that behaves.
  9. Want it frothy without eggs?
  10. Some cocktails use egg white for foam. We skip eggs here—obviously—and I recommend aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) if you want foam. Use ½ oz aquafaba, dry-shake (no ice) with the tequila and juices first for 15 seconds, then add ice and shake again. Voilà: vegan froth, no chickens involved

Notes

Want it frothy without eggs?
Some cocktails use egg white for foam. We skip eggs here—obviously—and I recommend aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) if you want foam. Use ½ oz aquafaba, dry-shake (no ice) with the tequila and juices first for 15 seconds, then add ice and shake again. Voilà: vegan froth, no chickens involved.

Variations (because variety equals joy)

Classic Vegan Paloma (this recipe)

Stick to the ingredients above and you’re golden.

Mocktail Paloma (no alcohol)

  • Replace 2 oz tequila with 2 oz non-alcoholic agave spirit or extra sparkling water plus a splash of grapefruit soda.
  • Keep other quantities the same. You get the vibe without the buzz.

Low-Calorie Paloma

  • Use zero-calorie sweetener (liquid stevia) instead of agave, and keep the rest. You’ll cut calories substantially.

Spicy Paloma

  • Muddle a few slices of jalapeño with the lime before adding other ingredients. Heat + citrus = chef’s kiss.

Smoky Paloma

  • Swap tequila for mezcal (if you want smoke). This change flips the drink into something bold and dramatic.