Here is how to make frozen Palomas with watermelon. They are made with frozen watermelon chunks, fresh grapefruit juice, and garnished with mint. This cocktail is perfectly balanced, refreshing, and delicious year round.

frozen watermelon paloma garnished with mint and a watermelon wedge

These frozen Palomas are a fun twist on a classic grapefruit Paloma.

This cocktail is perfect for anytime: happy hour, on Cinco de Mayo or really anytime you want something refreshing and delicious to drink.

They are so yummy paired with watermelon, and I'm so grateful I came up with this delicious combo.

I wouldn't recommend substituting the frozen watermelon for another fruit because it will overpower the grapefruit juice.

The balance is delicate and absolutely perfect. I always make my Paloma this way unless I am making a frothy grapefruit paloma- that one is fantastic, too!

frozen Paloma being poured from a blender pitcher into a cocktail glass

How to freeze fresh watermelon

To create frozen watermelon chunks, cut up a watermelon and remove all of the rind.

Lay out the chunks in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Place in the freezer for at least 2-3 hours or overnight.

Remove from the baking sheet and transfer to a gallon Ziploc bag. Store in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.

Frozen Palomas ingredients

Tequila blanco: I love using non-aged or very quickly aged tequilas in frozen drinks like these. Otherwise, the tequila flavor can be very over-powering.

Fresh grapefruit juice: It tastes way, way different than anything from a can or preserved in a bottle.

Fresh lime juice: Always use fresh citrus juice in all cocktail recipes. The preserved ones have a funny aftertaste and will amount to a yucky-tasting drink.

Frozen watermelon: Be sure to prep your frozen watermelon beforehand. I have instructions on how to do this on the recipe card.

Honey: You can alternatively use agave or simple syrup, but I love the taste best with honey.

Ice: I like to add a little bit of ice in addition to the frozen watermelon chunks. I find that if I add any more watermelon, I no longer am able to taste the grapefruit. This watermelon + ice amount equates to a well-balanced cocktail with the perfect consistency.

ingredients prepped to make a watermelon and grapefruit cocktail

What does a Paloma cocktail taste like?

Palomas are very straight forward and refreshing cocktails. I've had them at so many different restaurants,

Sometimes, it is made with grapefruit soda in place of the fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling water.

placing a grapefruit wedge on a cocktail

What country are Palomas from?

A Paloma is a tequila-based cocktail and one of my favorite cocktails of all time.

There is a lot of uncertainty when it comes to where the paloma cocktail originated from.

One popular theory is that the Paloma was created by Don Javier of the famous bar in the town of Tequila, Mexico, called La Capilla.

That has been dismantled and discredited many times though, so I really think nobody has a firm understanding of its origin and how it came to be the popular cocktail it is today.

This drink is most commonly prepared by mixing tequila, lime juice, and a grapefruit-flavored soda such as Fresca, Squirt or Jarritos and served on the rocks.

Adding salt to the rim of the glass is also an option.

It can also be made even more delicious by utilizing fresh grapefruit juice, tequila, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water.

I took my favorite things about a classic Paloma and turned into these frozen Palomas, and you are going to absolutely fall in love! 🙂

watermelon paloma in a glass with fresh mint and grapefruit garnish

What kind of tequila should I use for Palomas?

I highly recommend using tequila blanco (aka silver tequila or white tequila.) It is characterized by its clear appearance.

Silver tequila has this color (or lack thereof) because it is bottled directly after being distilled. It is either aged for a very short period of up to two months or not aged at all.

It's a subtle tequila flavor compared to something that is more aged, and it lends really wonderful flavor in cocktails like this one.

How to make this recipe

Add all ingredients into a blender pitcher. Blend until smooth throughout.

Pour into 2 glasses and garnish with fresh grapefruit slices and mint. Enjoy right away.

watermelon paloma in a glass with mint and fresh grapefruit garnish

Love this frozen Palomas recipe? Check out more cocktails below:

Creamy Espresso Martini

The Best Frozen Kiwi Cocktail

Frothy Paloma Recipe