Cranberry Paloma - A Holiday Twist on a Summer Favorite
- davidcdouglass
- Dec 2
- 1 min read
Ah, the cranberry Paloma—because apparently the regular Paloma just wasn’t festive enough.
Picture a glass so pink it looks like it got dressed for a holiday party and then decided it was the main character. Tart cranberry juice elbows its way in beside the grapefruit, like, “Hey, I heard you needed even more acidity.” The tequila just smiles politely—cheerfully even—because it knows it’s the only reason anyone’s having fun.
A sugared rim? Of course. It’s the cocktail equivalent of a wink that says, “Yes, I’m extra. No, I’m not sorry.” And that little lime wedge perched on top? It’s basically a tiny green hat screaming, “We’re here to have a good time, not a quiet time.”
The whole thing tastes like holiday cheer wrapped in sass: bright, zippy, a little dramatic, and absolutely thrilled with itself. Drink one and suddenly you’re thinking, You know what? Maybe I am the sparkle this season needed.
Ingredients
Granulated sugar, for rim
1 lime wedge (can use Grapefruit Wedge too)
Ice
2 1/2 oz. cranberry juice cocktail
2 oz. tequila if your choice
1 1/2 oz. grapefruit juice
Soda water, for topping off
Grapefruit twist and fresh cranberries, for garnish. A Rosemary Sprig also makes a cool garnish addition.
Directions
Pour sugar on a small plate.
Rub one side of glass with lime wedge, then dip into sugar, turning to coat.
Fill prepared glass with ice.
Add cranberry juice cocktail, tequila, and grapefruit juice.
Top off with club soda and gently stir with a bar spoon.
Garnish with grapefruit twist and cranberries.
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