Pomegranate Paloma

The Paloma is one of those drinks that I don’t make nearly enough, but when I do, it’s everything I want in a drink. My Pomegranate Paloma with homemade pomegranate syrup and mezcal instead of tequila elevates the classic with more complexity, tartness, and vibrant color. I love making a batch of these for holiday parties and brunch throughout the year.

Watch Me Make a Pomegranate Paloma

How to Make a Pomegranate Paloma

1. Rim four glasses with chamoy and Tajín, then fill each with ice.
2. In a large cocktail shaker (preferably a 28 oz/18 oz tin-on-tin shaker), combine the mezcal, lime juice, and Pomegranate Spiced Syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds, until well chilled.
4. Double strain the mixture evenly between the four prepared glasses.
5. Top each glass with 1 oz of grapefruit soda and gently stir to combine.
6. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge dusted with Tajín and a sprinkle of fresh pomegranate arils.

Pomegranate Paloma Ingredients

Mezcal

A Paloma is traditionally made with tequila, but I love swapping in mezcal for a slightly smokier, more complex balance for all the tartness and sweetness that you get from the other ingredients. You could definitely use tequila, or try a 50/50 mix of tequila and mezcal. Check out my Mezcal Guide and Tequila Guide for more information, including the bottles I recommend.

Pomegranate Syrup

You can make your own Pomegranate Syrup at home! It’s a lot easier than you might think. If you’re short on time, you can use Pomegranate molasses, thinned with a little pomegranate juice, instead.

Grapefruit Soda

Grapefruit soda is a classic Paloma ingredient that tops it off with a little something bubbly. I use Fever-Tree, but feel free to use whichever brand you prefer.

Lime Juice

If it’s not fresh squeezed, we don’t want it!

Tips for Making the Best Pomegranate Paloma

• This Paloma is best if made with a homemade pomegranate syrup. You’ll use up a whole bottle throughout the holidays with no problem, I promise!
• Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker until the outside gets very cold and frosty.
• Use fresh-squeezed lime juice instead of the bottled stuff. This cocktail only has 4 ingredients, so you’ll be able to taste the difference.
• No one said you only have to have one. So if you’re not sure if you want it with mezcal or tequila, make one of each!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• If you love a classic Paloma, I think it goes really well with the pomegranate syrup.
• Pomegranate is one of those flavors that’s available all year, but we tend to only see it used a lot during the holidays. So if you’re looking for a Holiday Cocktail, or want an easy anytime drink for weeknights or weekend brunch, try the Pomegranate Paloma!
• If you like a bubbly cocktail, topping the Pomegranate Paloma with grapefruit soda gives it that extra festive fizz we all crave during a party.