Cranberry Paloma

The Cranberry Paloma is the absolute star of any cocktail lineup—bright, zesty, and so strikingly beautiful. This punchy drink combines the tang of cranberry, the citrusy sparkle of grapefruit, and the unmistakable smoothness of tequila, creating a cocktail that's both downright refreshing and undeniably festive.

It’s a must-try whenever you need a quick but impressive drink for guests or want to bring a seasonal twist to your happy hour. The best part? You can whip it up in just minutes, and it looks stunning in the glass with those vibrant red hues and fizzy bubbles.

Whether you’re throwing a holiday party, toasting to friends during Thanksgiving, or just treating yourself to a special weekend sip, this Cranberry Paloma is the drink everyone will suddenly crave. I first mixed this at a family gathering, and it instantly became our go-to celebratory cocktail—it’s that good!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Five-minute prep for a showstopping drink—no fancy skills required!
• Perfect blend of tart, sweet, and refreshing flavors in every sip
• Eye-catching, festive color that makes any gathering feel special
• Easily batchable for parties or scaled down for sipping solo

Key Ingredients for Cranberry Paloma

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Tequila

Tequila is the smooth backbone of the Paloma, delivering a gentle warmth that balances the citrus and tartness. For the best result, opt for a good-quality blanco tequila—its clean, crisp flavor lets the fruit juices shine. If you prefer a bolder note, a reposado tequila adds a hint of oak and vanilla. Not a tequila fan? You can substitute vodka for a subtler base, though you’ll miss the true Paloma character.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice transforms the classic Paloma into this vibrant, holiday-ready cocktail. Choose 100% pure cranberry juice for a tart punch, or use cranberry juice cocktail if you want it a bit sweeter. You can even try a cranberry-pomegranate blend for added complexity. Freshly pressed juice delivers the brightest flavor, but store-bought works beautifully here.

Grapefruit Juice

Fresh grapefruit juice is essential for the Paloma’s signature citrusy zip. Squeeze your own if you can—pink or ruby red grapefruits add natural sweetness and a gorgeous color. Bottled juice is fine in a pinch, but make sure it’s not overly sweetened. If you want a different twist, combine orange and lime juice to approximate the grapefruit’s unique flavor.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is there to mellow out the tartness and tie together all the flavors. You can easily make it at home by dissolving equal parts sugar and water. For a subtle twist, infuse your simple syrup with fresh rosemary or orange zest. If you’d like a lower-sugar drink, reduce the amount or use a sugar substitute—just adjust to taste.

Sparkling Water

Top your cocktail with sparkling water for irresistible fizz and lightness. Choose plain club soda or a grapefruit-flavored sparkling water if you want extra citrus zing. Just remember to add the sparkling water last to keep that refreshing bubble.

Instructions for Cranberry Paloma

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Glasses

If you love a salty rim, rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass and dip them in coarse sea salt. This adds a savory pop that pairs perfectly with the tart and sweet flavors.

Mix the Cocktail

In a large pitcher or mixing glass, combine the tequila, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice. Give it a good stir to blend all those gorgeous hues and flavors. Taste and adjust sweetness with more simple syrup if needed.

Add Ice and Fizz

Fill your prepared glasses about halfway with ice. Pour the cocktail mixture over the ice, filling each glass three-quarters full. Top with a generous splash of sparkling water right before serving for maximum fizz.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish each Cranberry Paloma with a few fresh cranberries, a grapefruit slice, and a rosemary sprig for that festive, Instagram-worthy finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

For a spicy kick, muddle a few fresh jalapeño slices into the pitcher before mixing your ingredients. The heat beautifully offsets the sweetness—just be cautious with the seeds!

Go Non-Alcoholic

Skip the tequila and add extra cranberry juice and a splash of ginger ale for a festive mocktail that everyone can enjoy. This version is especially fun for holiday brunches or family parties.

Swap the Juice

Try using blood orange or pomegranate juice in place of part of the cranberry or grapefruit juice. It changes the color a bit and adds unique, seasonal flavor notes.

Herbal Infusion

Infuse your simple syrup with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for a subtle, earthy twist. It’s a fantastic way to elevate the drink for a special occasion or to complement savory holiday fare.

Lower Sugar Option

Cut back on the simple syrup or swap in a sugar-free or natural alternative, especially if you’re using sweetened cranberry juice. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cranberry Paloma alongside citrus-marinated shrimp, guacamole with homemade tortilla chips, or a bright festive salad to round out a holiday appetizer spread. For extra flair, garnish each glass with frozen cranberries and a fragrant rosemary sprig—your guests will love the seasonal presentation!

Storage and Reheating

For best results, mix the non-fizzy ingredients (tequila, juices, and syrup) ahead and keep chilled in an airtight pitcher for up to 2 days. Add ice and sparkling water only when ready to serve. Never freeze the finished drink, as carbonation and fresh citrus don’t fare well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Paloma (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Cranberry Palomas ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes! Mix all ingredients except the ice and sparkling water. Keep chilled, and add ice and bubbles just before serving for maximum freshness and fizz.

Q: What type of tequila works best for this cocktail?
A: Blanco (silver) tequila is classic here for its crisp, clean flavor, but feel free to use reposado for a slightly more robust, nuanced drink.

Q: Can I use bottled grapefruit juice or should it be fresh?
A: Fresh grapefruit juice gives the brightest flavor, but high-quality bottled juice is perfectly fine if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s not overly sweetened.

Q: How do I make a non-alcoholic Cranberry Paloma?
A: Omit the tequila and use extra cranberry juice or grapefruit juice, topped with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a delicious mocktail everyone can enjoy.

There's just something magical about the Cranberry Paloma—bright, festive, and endlessly sippable! No matter the occasion, this beautiful cocktail is guaranteed to impress. If you give it a try, snap a photo and let me know in the comments how you liked it or leave a recipe rating. Cheers!