This Holiday Cranberry Paloma is a cocktail that combines tart cranberry juice, zesty grapefruit juice, and smooth tequila for a vibrant drink that’s perfect for the season. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, this easy-to-make Paloma is sure to impress.
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Winter Cranberry Paloma
Hello my friends! Are you already enjoying the holidays are just barely getting started?
If not, I have the perfect recipe to get you started!
This festive twist on the classic Paloma is perfect for celebrating the holiday season. The tart cranberry juice and refreshing grapefruit combine beautifully with tequila, creating a vibrant and seasonal drink.
I have a few other cocktails and drinks that are perfect for holiday festivities but this is my new favorite. You can also try my Rompope (Mexican Eggnog) if you’re looking for a creamy drink.
🩷 xoxo, Ana
How To Make a Cranberry Paloma
Ingredients you’ll need:
Step by step guide
✨ Here are step by step photos for reference. For the exact ingredients and recipe, see the recipe card below.
Make ahead
Prepping your garnishes can be way a day or more in advanced. Keep them in the freezer until ready to use.
Start by prepping your ingredients: In a small bowl, add the simple syrup. In another small bowl, add the granulated sugar.
Lightly dip the cranberries into the simple syrup, coating them evenly.
Then toss them in the sugar. Repeat the same process for the rosemary sprigs.
Allow the sugared rosemary sprigs and cranberries to dry for 15 – 20 minutes or freeze for about 10 minutes or up to 5 days.
- In a cocktail glass, add ice. Then combine the tequila, lime juice, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice and simple syrup. Stir well to combine.
2. Top with club soda then stir gently.
3. Drop a few sugared cranberries into each glass. Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim and a sprig of rosemary.
Tips and Notes
- Freshly Squeeze the Grapefruit and Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juice will bring out the best flavor.
- Use Quality Tequila: Choose a good quality tequila (Blanco or Reposado) to enhance the drink.
- Balance the Sweetness: Start with the recommended 1 oz of simple syrup and adjust according to your taste, especially if your cranberry juice is tart or overly sweet.
- Chill Your Glasses: For an extra refreshing touch, chill your glasses in the freezer before serving. This also keeps the drink cooler longer.
More Cocktail Recipes
Print Recipe:
Holiday Cranberry Paloma
Ingredients
For Sugaring the Cranberries and Rosemary Sprigs:
- ¼ cup simple syrup, for tossing
- ½ cup granulated sugar, for coating
For the Paloma
- cubed ice
- 4 oz tequila (Blanco or Reposado)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- 2 oz grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- 1 oz simple syrup (or more to taste)
- Club soda, to top
- Garnishes: fresh cranberries, lime wedges, and/or rosemary sprigs - optional
Instructions
Make the garnish
- In a small bowl, add the simple syrup. In another small bowl, add the granulated sugar. Lightly dip the cranberries into the simple syrup, coating them evenly, and then toss them in the sugar. Repeat the same process for the rosemary sprigs.¼ cup simple syrup, for tossing , ½ cup granulated sugar, for coating
- Allow the sugared rosemary sprigs and cranberries to dry for 15 – 20 minutes or freeze for about 10 minutes.
Make the cocktails
- Fill half-way two cocktail glasses with ice. To each glass, add half of the tequila, lime juice, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice and simple syrup. Stir well to combine. Top with club soda then stir gently.cubed ice, 4 oz tequila (Blanco or Reposado) , 1 oz fresh lime juice , 2 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened) , 2 oz grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought) , 1 oz simple syrup (or more to taste) , Club soda, to top
- Drop a few sugared cranberries into each glass. Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim and a sprig of rosemary.Garnishes: fresh cranberries, lime wedges, and/or rosemary sprigs
Delicious!
This is delicious!
Thank you for stopping by!
I hope you like this recipe! Do you have any questions I can help you with? Or if you made it, I would love it if you leave a comment or rating below. ⭐️
Gracias!!!! xx, Ana