Italian Paloma Cocktail Recipe

This refreshing and zingy Italian Paloma Cocktail is easy to mix and even easier to drink! A pretty tequila-based cocktail is made with a mixture of citrus juices and Campari. Similar to a classic Paloma drink, this recipe has a little twist!

Try our frozen Paloma recipe too! It’s the most perfect summer cocktail recipe. Also if you love Campari, try our negroni cocktail, negroni popsicles, and the famous jungle bird cocktail!

We did a little cocktail mixing and shaking a few weeks ago and created this beauty! It’s an Italian Paloma and it has grapefruit, orange, tequila, lemon juice, Campari, and a few other ingredients. It’s VERY tasty and can we all just take a minute to appreciate the color of it?!

This drink is perfect for spring and summer, garden parties, pool parties, and birthday parties! It’s very easy to make too! You’ll need a cocktail shaker and a cocktail jigger to make this beautiful pink cocktail!

How to make an Italian Paloma Drink

• Pour tequila, Campari, simple syrup, lemon and lime juice and grapefruit juice into cocktail shaker filled with ice.

• Shake for 20 seconds.

• Strain over a glass filled with ice and then add the orange soda over the top.

• Add the pinch of salt and garnish with a grapefruit twist.

• Serve immediately!

Paloma Drink History

The traditional Paloma cocktail was first created in Mexico, but little is known about its exact origins. It is a tequila-based cocktail, mixed with grapefruit juice, fresh lime, and grapefruit soda water, and garnished with a lime slice.

An Italian variation on the Paloma

We made a couple of simple additions and swaps to the traditional Paloma recipe to give it a little Italian flare. I added in a little Campari which works wonderfully with the other bitter flavors in this drink, and I swapped out the grapefruit soda for orange soda.

Why is it called a Paloma?

While there is no exact evidence of where the name came from, some people believe its name came from a popular folk song, La Paloma, composed in the 1860s in Mexico. 

Paloma Drink Calories

For anyone counting calories, rejoice! This cocktail comes in under 200 calories. If you want to reduce the calories further, you can substitute the soda for a diet variety and use less simple syrup.

Tips for Making a Paloma Cocktail

• Keep shaking the shaker until it turns cold, 20 seconds or so.

• Skip the simple syrup if you want a less sweet cocktail.

• Make a big batch of simple syrup so there’s always some on hand – store it in the refrigerator in an air tight container.

• Use a large ice cube in the glass, it won’t melt as quickly and dilute the cocktail.

• Try adding a pink ice cube to this drink for a very festive look!

• Don’t skimp on the garnish, it really does make the drink.

Check out these other tequila cocktails!

We love making cocktails here at Sugar and Charm! Here are some of our favorite recipes:

Thyme Tequila Lemonade

Hibiscus Margarita

Lingonberry Aperol Spritz

Sparkling Grapefruit Cocktail 

Spiked Seltzer Mermaid Cocktail

Strawberry Tequila Sodas

Ranch Water Cocktail 

A Classic Moscow Mule 

5 Best Gin and Tonic Recipes 

Easy Hibiscus Gin Sour 

Moscow Mule Recipes

Classic Mimosas 

The Best Whiskey Sour 

The Sergeant Pepper Cocktail

Also, check out Also check out our favorite vodka drinks, the best mixed drinks, brunch cocktails and cheap drinks to make at home!

For a non-alcoholic drink check out our Italian Soda recipe. We’ve been making these for years!

Let us know if you make this Italian Paloma cocktail recipe by leaving a comment and review below!

You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure and privacy policy.