Make-Ahead Paloma Pitcher Cocktail Recipe

These Big Batch Palomas are an ideal summer cocktail for anyone who loves light, bright, citrus-forward drinks. Combine blanco tequila with freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juice, sweeten with agave, then top each glass with grapefruit soda or sparkling mineral water for a refreshing, fizzy finish.

a large pitcher of grapefruit palomas with grapefruits and limes around it

Why You’ll Love These Big Batch Palomas

Bright, balanced flavor. Fresh grapefruit and lime juice give this cocktail a lively citrus profile, balanced by a touch of agave and the smooth warmth of good-quality blanco tequila.

Great for gatherings. Making Palomas in a pitcher or dispenser means less time mixing individual drinks and more time enjoying your company—guests can serve themselves and help themselves to refills.

Simple to prepare. This recipe requires just a few fresh ingredients and minimal effort: mix, chill, then add ice and soda when you’re ready to serve.

an overhead photo of a paloma garnished with edible flowers, a grapefruit wedge, and fresh lime and grapefruit scattered around it

More Tequila Cocktail Recipes

  • Strawberry tequila sour — a sweet-tart option for summer.
  • Passion fruit tequila jello shots — a playful choice for parties.
  • Cucumber spa martini — a soothing, lower-key cocktail to sip slowly.
  • Corona sunrise — a beer-based, fruity drink for fans of lighter pours.

Ingredients

tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, topo chico, and salt

Fresh juice makes a big difference in a Paloma—squeeze your grapefruit and limes for the best bright flavor. Quantities for a large batch are listed in the recipe card below.

  • Blanco tequila
  • Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
  • Freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Agave syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Grapefruit soda or sparkling mineral water (Topo Chico)
  • Optional garnishes: edible flowers, grapefruit wedges

How to Make a Big Batch of Palomas

add ingredients to the pitcher

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

In a large pitcher or drink dispenser, combine blanco tequila, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and a pinch of salt. Whisk or stir until everything is well combined.

top the paloma mixture with topo chico

Step 2: Chill, Add Soda, Serve

  • Cover and refrigerate the mixture until you’re ready to serve. It can sit overnight, but for best flavor serve within a day.
  • When serving, add 2–3 scoops of ice to the pitcher or to individual glasses, then top with grapefruit soda or sparkling water. Stir gently and serve over ice with a grapefruit wedge or edible flower if desired.
add ice and grapefruit for garnish

FAQs

What is a Paloma made of?

A Paloma centers on tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit flavor. Some recipes use grapefruit soda while others use fresh grapefruit juice plus sparkling water—either approach works depending on preference.

What does Paloma mean?

Paloma means “dove” in Spanish. The origin of the cocktail’s name is uncertain, though the imagery of peace and lightness suits the drink’s refreshing character.

What’s the difference between a Paloma and a margarita?

Both use tequila and lime, but a margarita typically includes orange liqueur and is shaken or blended, while a Paloma highlights grapefruit and is usually topped with soda for a fizzy finish.

a pitcher of palomas beside a glass of the drink garnished with edible flowers and a grapefruit wedge

More Big Batch Recipes You’ll Love

  • Big Batch Passion Fruit Martini
  • Big Batch Bloody Mary
  • Big Batch Dirty Shirley
  • Big Batch Pomegranate Margarita
  • Big Batch Pear Martini

If you make these Big Batch Palomas, tag your photos on social media—I love seeing your creations and sharing them with the community.

a large pitcher of grapefruit palomas with grapefruits and limes around it

Big Batch Palomas

Recipe By Elizabeth Van Lierde
5
2
Servings: 6 cocktails
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These Big Batch Palomas are a simple, refreshing way to serve a crowd—tequila, fresh grapefruit and lime, a touch of agave, and a fizzy finish.

ingredients

 

  • 16 oz blanco tequila
  • 16 oz freshly juiced grapefruit juice
  • 8 oz freshly juiced lime juice
  • 2-4 oz agave
  • Pinch of salt
  • 16 oz grapefruit soda or topo chico
  • Edible flowers for serving
  • Grapefruit wedges for serving

instructions

 

  • In a large pitcher or drink dispenser add blanco tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave and salt. Whisk together until combined.
  • Cover and refrigerate until serving. If serving immediately, add ice and top with grapefruit soda or sparkling water, stir gently, and serve over ice.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.

Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: American, Spanish
Keyword: big batch cocktails, cocktail recipe, tequila

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a large pitcher of grapefruit palomas with grapefruits and limes around it