Apparently it’s national Margarita day today! Yeah, I kind of missed the memo on that, but all is not lost, because I have paloma cocktails to share for Friday happy hour instead! If you’re not familiar with a paloma, it’s basically like Marg’s close cousin, made classically with tequila, fresh squeezed grapefruit, and club soda! I’ve made a few versions of the Paloma on the blog in the past, but today’s blood orange paloma is definitely a new favorite.

Blood oranges are gorgeous and delicious as is, but since citrus season is currently underway, I thought it would be a good time to feature the fruits while in their prime.

What I love most about blood oranges and citrus season in general, is while we’re dealing with frozen temps and never-ending snow, the bright colors and flavors of the fruits are a reminder that Spring is not far off! And they just so happen to pair well with tequila too, so…added bonus amiright!

Blood Orange Paloma

Blood Orange Paloma Flavor

The combination of the bold and rich fresh squeezed blood oranges, paired with tart grapefruit and tequila of your choice is quite sublime and what I like to call the best way to toast to a long-short week! Plus I made a quick blood orange simple syrup that adds a hint of sweetness to the Paloma while smoothing out the citrusy flavors.

If you enjoy margaritas, I’m almost certain you’ll like this Blood Orange Paloma just as much! Just don’t forget that salted rim because it adds such a nice bite to this tart yet cheery mixed bev!

Blood Orange Paloma

Author: Posh Little Designs
Yield: 1 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A sweet and tart tequila cocktail paired with seasonal citrus and fresh squeezed blood oranges, served over ice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Blood Orange Paloma:
1.5 parts tequila of choice
1/2 part fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
1/2 part fresh squeeze blood orange juice
1 part blood orange simple syrup
1/2 part fresh lime juice
3 parts club soda
Garnish: fresh lime wheels, blood orange slices and sea salt.
For the Blood Orange Simple Syrup:
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 blood orange sliced into rounds with the juice gently muddled.

Instructions

For the Blood Orange Simple Syrup:
Bring water, sugar and blood orange slices to a boil. Boil the ingredients for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Pour blood orange syrup through a strainer.
Chill and set aside until ready to serve.
For the Blood Orange Paloma:
Garnish glass rims with coarse salt.
Pour tequila, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, blood orange juice, blood orange simple syrup and lime juice over ice.
Top with club soda.
The club soda will lightly blend the Paloma.
Garnish with lime wheels and fresh blood orange. Repeat steps to make a additional servings.
Cheers!

Notes

You can easily turn this cheery beverage into a mocktail by omitting the tequila and adding a flavored sparkling beverage of choice instead.

Keywords: drinks, cocktails, tequila, winter, blood orange, paloma, craft cocktail

Is it just me or is the color of this citrus paloma giving off all the Spring vibes? Although, we’re still a few weeks away from the start of the new season, this will certainly tide us over in the meantime!