Who else here loves a good margarita? I mean REALLY loves a good margarita? 🙋♀️ If you have been following me on this site you know I have developed a few margarita recipes over the years- the grilled margarita (which is Bomb AF), the Perfect skinny margarita (also amazing!), the smoked jalapeno margarita (made with smoked simple syrup) and of course there is my other love, the grilled greyhound.
So, naturally, when I discovered the Paloma, a mix of tequila and grapefruit juice and a splash of soda water, it blew my mind. I mean, how did I just learn about this drink being the citrus and grapefruit lover that I am? According to the internet, the Paloma is the most popular cocktail in Mexico, NOT the margarita.
When you taste one you will know why! They’re so refreshing they go down very quick, which is why I like to add a good bit of soda water to mine so I can enjoy them longer!
Grilling the grapefruit intensifies the flavor of grapefruit while adding smoke flavor, elevating this classic cocktail.
I’ve taken the Paloma to new smoky heights by grilling the grapefruit which intensifies its sweetness and caramelizes the sugar it was dipped in before hitting the grill.
There are many recipes for the Paloma on the internet, and some as simple as just adding grapefruit soda to tequila. But that’s not what we’re doing here. We’re kicking it up about notches by first grilling the fruit, and finishing with a nice swizzle of honey, mixed with a rosemary sprig to make for the perfect smoky, tart, citrus and rosemary infused sip.
So, without further ado, here is my NEW favorite cocktail, the (GRILLED) Paloma!
The Flamingo Ice Cubes are a fun touch to these cocktails!
Note, if you don’t have a grill (what???) then dip your grapefruit halves into sugar and put them under the broiler. It won’t get the smokiness from the grill but the broiler will intensify the sweetness of the grapefruit.
If you haven’t noticed, I have a LOVE for everything Flamingos and used these for making my cocktails and then paired them with Flamingo Ice I made with Flamingo Ice molds. Get creative with your favorite vibes- ice molds are a great way to customize your cocktails and add a personal touch!
Grilled Grapefruit Paloma (Tequila and Grapefruit Cocktail)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 cocktails 1x
Description
This refreshing Tequila and grapefruit cocktail is kicked up a notch by grilling the sugar dipped grapefruit to elevate this cocktail with smoky undertones.
Ingredients
This is enough for 2 cocktails:
- 2 large grapefruit, sliced in half
- 2 cans lime or grapefruit flavored soda water
- 2 tbsp honey (or splenda, truvia to keep it low carb)
- 2 tbsp sugar- for dipping the grapefruit in
- 2 large sprigs rosemary- to be used as a swizzle stick
- 4 oz tequila
- ice
**collins, old fashioned or highball glass works for this recipe
Instructions
Set a charcoal grill up for direct heat. After the charcoal has ashed over, dip the grapefruit halves in sugar making sure to coat the surface, and grill over charcoal (this is how you get the smokiness) until char marks have formed.
After the grapefruit have cooled slightly, juice them. (I have been using the Rose Gold Zulay Citrus press, it is awesome! If you drink a lot of citrus, I recommend).
Add ice to your glasses. Next, pour in the tequila. Add juice from one entire grapefruit to the cocktail. Next, add soda water. Add 1 tbsp of honey (or to taste), use rosemary as swizzle stick to stir in the honey.
Do you have a favorite way to enjoy tequila? Leave me a comment below- I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Notes
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- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: cocktails, bbq
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American, BBQ, Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cocktails
Do you love cocktails as much as me? If you love tequila, here are some other winning cocktails to try!
