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This easy Watermelon Paloma recipe is really going to change the way you party this summer! It’s rich with fresh watermelon flavor, grapefruit juice, and of course, tequila. Oh, and don’t forget to salt that rim!
Watermelon is one of my favorite flavors to enjoy on a long hot day! I mean, when you think of summer, how can you not think of all things watermelon?
I think whomever thought to create watermelon knew that we would want something cool, sweet, and refreshing on a hot, sweltering day. Watermelon was born to cure those sweaty woes!
This watermelon paloma has got just the right amount of fresh sweetness to satisfy your sweet tooth and make you feel refreshed. However, don’t think this drink will be overly sweet, even though it’s got all that fresh watermelon! The bitterness of grapefruit juice and strong agave taste of tequila balance perfectly with the sweet melon flavor.
A fun part of serving these drinks (besides how tasty they are) is how gorgeous they are, too! The vibrant pink color of fresh watermelon makes each of these drinks look picture perfect.
Let’s be real – you know that after making a pitcher of watermelon palomas, you’re going to want to share them for the world to see! Just be ready to share this recipe, because everyone will want to know how you made that pretty pink cocktail.
While you can double the amount of tequila to make these watermelon palomas even stronger, I recommend making at least the first pitcher of the night with just the 1 1/4 cup that’s called for.
The flavors balance oh-so well, and there’s enough tequila in there to put a smile on your face! If too much tequila is added, it will very easily overpower the other natural flavors in this drink recipe.
Ingredients
- Watermelon – You’ll need 6 cups of diced watermelon for this recipe. However, you can also use store-bought watermelon juice to save time, but fresh is always best and tastiest!
- Grapefruit juice – The bitterness of grapefruit juice is what really makes this drink still an authentic paloma. Plus, it keeps the drink from being too sweet!
- Tequila – Your cocktail will only be as good as your tequila is, so avoid the super cheap stuff!
- Lime juice – Freshly squeezed works best!
- Sparkling water – This gives the drink a less sharp taste of tequila, plus it adds a delightful bubbly aspect to it.
- Ice
- Lime wedges – You’ll need these to rim the glass with, and to garnish.
How can I make the rim spicy?
Salty and sweet is nice, but spicy and sweet might be even better! Spice up your rim by combining the salt with a little bit of paprika and cayenne powder.
Can I use another liquor?
Vodka would be delicious in this and maybe even rum. Whatever your fancy!
I can’t have grapefruit juice, what can be subbed for it?
Orange juice would be the best substitution!
Sip on more of my favorite summery cocktails!
Strawberry Rickey
Watermelon Paloma
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups (912 g) watermelon, diced
- 1 cup (237 ml) grapefruit juice*
- 1 ¼ cup (296 ml) tequila
- ⅓ cup (79 ml) lime juice
- ¾ cup (177 ml) sparkling water
- Ice
- Lime wedge and salt to rim the glass
- Lime wedges, watermelon slices or mint sprigs as a garnish
Instructions
- Add the watermelon to a blender and pulse until smooth. Strain into a pitcher.
- Add the grapefruit juice, tequila and lime juice and stir to incorporate. Add the ice.
- Rub a lime wedge over the edge of the glass and dip in salt to rim the edge. Fill until ¾ full and top with the sparkling water.
- Garnish with lime wedges, watermelon or mint sprigs and serve.
Will club soda work in place of sparkling water?
yes, it will!
Quick question – it calls for grapefruit juice in the ingredients, but the directions call out Orange Juice. Which one is correct? Thanks – sounds delicious!!!
sorry! i dont know why my fingers typed orange juice, haha – i’ve corrected it! it’s supposed to be grapefruit juice :)
@Julie Chiou, It needs to be corrected in the first paragraph of the recipe too.
Thanks!