With such simple ingredients, it’s easy to tweak the paloma into just the right drink for you! Try one or more of these variations.

Keep it classic

Want to stay true to the original paloma? Traditionally, this bubbly refreshment is grapefruit-based and made with just two ingredients — blanco tequila and grapefruit-flavored soda. Swap in flavored sodas or a sparkling water, and this drink tastes just as delicious with a slightly different flavor profile.

Keep it fresh

If you want the freshest taste, use fresh blood orange juice and sparkling water or club soda rather than blood orange sparkling water. This variation works for grapefruit variations, too, although you’ll want to add a dash of sweetness to get the sour taste of grapefruit.

Make your own chili lime

You don’t have to buy this iconic seasoning premade, and there are dozens of ways to create this tasty flavor combo. The simplest chili lime is composed of only salt, chile powder and lime. You can make your own lime powder by zesting limes, leaving the zest to dry for a day or two, then grinding with a pestle. Grind the lime with chili powder and salt and you have your own chili lime powder, ready for drinks and seasoning your food.

Switch up the spirits

The paloma is all about fresh, clean flavors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a version that suits your fancy. Mezcal is an agave-based liquor like tequila (in fact, tequila is a type of mezcal), but it features a smoky flavor. Swap out the blanco tequila for mezcal and experience a smoky blood orange cocktail. Try a high-quality smoky mezcal like Casamigos Mezcal.

If you don’t have blanco tequila on hand, you can also use reposado tequila. Reposado tequila is aged two to twelve months for a deeper, warmer flavor with hints of oak, vanilla and caramel. The taste will be a bit different than the crisp palate you might expect from a traditional paloma, but with blood orange and chili, this blend of deeper flavors will provide a satisfying experience.

Blood orange paloma