Skip to content

Honey Paloma Cocktail

Unlock the secret to the perfect Paloma with this easy homemade recipe—just wait until you taste the refreshing twist. Your taste buds will thank you.

5.0 · 1 reviewsRecipe card by Chef PotPieEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 18, 2026
Share

Total time

20 min

Servings

1

Calories

285.4

Category

Drinks

Discover the refreshing twist on a classic cocktail with this Honey Paloma recipe. Perfect for warm evenings or festive gatherings, this beverage combines tart grapefruit, zesty lime, and smooth tequila with a touch of natural sweetness from honey syrup. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy yet impressive drink for any occasion.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

  • 2 grapefruit juice
  • 1 fresh lime juice
  • 2 honey syrup
  • 2 coarse salt
  • 2 water
  • 1 honey

Method

  1. For the honey syrup:

  2. In a small sauce pot combine water and honey. Set over medium heat. Stir until honey dissolves into water. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

  3. For the cocktail:

  4. Place salt on a small plate. Moisten the rim of serving glass with grapefruit rind. Twist glass around to thoroughly salt the rim. Fill serving glass 2/3 full with ice.

  5. Combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, honey syrup, tequila and club soda in a shaker or other vessel.

  6. Pour into glass. Add more ice if necessary. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.

Cook's notes

  • Use fresh grapefruit and lime juice for the brightest flavor; bottled juice can taste flat.
  • To make honey syrup ahead, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • For a saltier rim, use coarse sea salt or kosher salt; for a milder touch, try sugar instead.
  • Chill your glass beforehand to keep the cocktail colder longer without extra dilution.

Easy swaps

  • Instead of tequila, use mezcal for a smoky flavorWorks well with the honey and grapefruit.
  • Instead of club soda, use sparkling water or ginger aleGinger ale adds sweetness and spice.
  • Instead of honey syrup, use agave nectar or maple syrupAgave is lighter; maple adds a distinct flavor.

Frequently asked

Can I make this non-alcoholic?

Yes! Simply omit the tequila and add extra club soda or flavored sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.

What type of tequila works best?

A blanco or silver tequila is ideal for its clean, agave-forward flavor that complements the citrus and honey.

How do I adjust sweetness?

Start with 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey syrup instead of 2, and taste before adding more.

You might also like

More Drinks →