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Vodka Paloma

A refreshing twist on the classic paloma featuring vodka, fresh grapefruit, and lime for a clean, citrus-forward cocktail.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Cocktail/Beverage
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, Modern American
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 oz premium vodka preferably chilled
  • 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice pink or ruby red
  • 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup or agave nectar for authenticity
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Ice cubes preferably large or crushed
  • Grapefruit slice or lime wheel for garnish
  • Tajin or chili-lime salt optional, for rim

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
  • Jigger (1.5 oz and 0.5 oz measures)
  • Bar spoon or long spoon
  • Strainer (Hawthorne or julep style)
  • Citrus juicer or handheld squeezer
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Highball or rocks glass
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Chill your glass by filling a highball or rocks glass with ice and letting it sit for one minute.
  2. Cut your grapefruit in half and squeeze fresh juice into a cocktail shaker, then juice a lime to measure 0.75 oz.
  3. Pour 2 oz of chilled vodka into the shaker, then add 3 oz of fresh grapefruit juice and 0.5 oz of simple syrup.
  4. Add a tiny pinch of sea salt and fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes.
  5. Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
  6. Discard the ice from the prepared glass and strain the cocktail into it, then add fresh ice cubes.
  7. Top the cocktail with 0.75 oz of fresh lime juice.
  8. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or lime wheel and optionally rim the glass with tajin or chili-lime salt.

Notes

Always use freshly squeezed citrus juice and chill your vodka beforehand for best flavor and temperature.