This Keto Paloma Cocktail is a refreshing combination of grapefruit soda, lime juice, and tequila. It’s the perfect Mexican inspired keto cocktail for when you’re hanging out by the pool with friends this summer!
Feel free to use the jump to recipe button to get straight to mixing up your first Keto Paloma!
The first time I had a Paloma was in Cancun, Mexico at an all-inclusive resort called Dreams Riviera that we were staying in for a blogging conference a few years ago. I wasn’t feeling a margarita (crazy, I know) so the waiter suggested a Paloma, which I’d never heard of but sounded good. When he delivered it a few minutes later and I had my first sip, I was like SWEET ELIXER – WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?
The refreshing blend of grapefruit soda, tangy lime juice, and earthy tequila was simply sublime – and of course I knew I had to make a Keto Paloma happen so that I could share it here on the blog. I’m just sorry that it took me so long to get around to it!
Thanks to the existence of sugar free grapefruit flavored soda (I think Fresca is the most readily available version in the US) making a Keto Paloma Cocktail is a pretty easy undertaking.
If you don’t have access to a sugar free grapefruit soda, you can use a combination of 6 ounces lime flavored seltzer, a tablespoon of grapefruit juice (1.4g net carbs) and then sweeten to taste with your preferred sweetener. But the soda is definitely going to have a more grapefruit forward flavor, with less carbs.
Now let’s talk about that salted rim. You can opt to go unsalted on your Keto Paloma Cocktail, or do the typical margarita trick of running a lime wedge along the rim and then dipping it in the salt.
For my Keto Paloma, I recommend taking your rim to the next level and doing a mixture of 50/50 salt and granulated sweetener, then adding about 1 teaspoon of finely grated grapefruit zest. You can mix that in advance, and then sift out the zest if you like after about 10 minutes. The grapefruit oil from the zest will have absorbed into your sweetener/salt combo making your rim a salty, sweet, grapefruit extravaganza that will perfectly complement this Keto Paloma Cocktail.
The thin slice of grapefruit in the glass is totally optional, but a pretty touch for this Keto Paloma if you’re serving them to friends.
PrintKeto Paloma Cocktail – Low Carb
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
This Keto Paloma Cocktail is a refreshing blend of sugar free grapefruit soda, lime juice, and white tequila. Low carb
Ingredients
For the Paloma Cocktail:
- 6 ounces sugar free grapefruit-flavored soda
- 2 ounces white tequila
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- ice cubes
For the salted rim, if using:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated erythritol
- 1 teaspoon finely grated grapefruit zest
Instructions
For the salted rim mixture:
- Combine the salt, sweetener, and grapefruit zest.
- Use immediately as is, or wait ten minutes and then sift out the grapefruit zest before using.
- Run a wedge of lime or grapefruit around the rim of the glass, then dip upside down into the salt mixture to coat.
For the Paloma cocktail:
- Fill a 12 ounce glass (if salting the rim, do that first) with ice cubes.
- Pour in the soda, tequila, and lime juice.
- Stir and serve immediately.
Notes
Approximate net carbs per cocktail as made = <1g net
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: keto cocktails
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces
- Calories: 132
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: .5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Keywords: keto, cocktails, Mexican, grapefruit, tequila, low carb, Paloma
Can’t get enough tasty keto cocktails? Here’s a great collection of our favorite keto cocktails from around the web!
KimRock says
Your tip about the salt/sweet/zest rim really does make this special. Nothing wrong with a quick cocktail, but taking the small amount of time and effort to make the rim makes it more of a treat.
★★★★★
Lisa R Matarazzo says
If I’m having a cocktail, this is what I reach for. There is nothing better!
★★★★★
Stacy Earl says
Have you tried a Paloma with Ritual Zero-Proof Tequila??? It’s awesome!
Mellissa Sevigny says
No, never heard of it but I’ll look for it next time I’m shopping!
Jay says
I love Keto Palopma! I sue Sugar Free Squirt as my sida and add both lime and lemon. LOVE these!
Cathie says
Hi Melissa!
I use ICE pink grapefruit flavor and it rocks! I use ICE other flavors for making Mojitos and other cocktails. O carbs! Yay!
Dana says
I had my first Paloma at Hyatt Ziva in Cancun. Is that the same hotel? Only problem with the Fresca is that it uses aspartame! Not low cal, but those that don’t mind the sugar, you can only buy non diet Fresca at a Mexican grocery. It’s a bit pricey because they have to import it. Love Paloma’s though! Got every one hooked on them.
★★★★★
Pamela says
Are the 132 calories coming from the soda? the sodas with Stevia and Monk Fruit are 0 calories that is why I am asking, This looks delicious. Thanks
Mellissa Sevigny says
The calories come from the 2 ounces of tequila.