The Blackberry Paloma cocktail is a berry delicious take on an already twisted cocktail! Muddle grapefruit juice and blackberries together with a little tequila, mint, and sugar, and you’ve got yourself a lovely version of the popular Mexican drink.
Today has been a stellar day.
Yesterday was bittersweet, but today – completely wonderful.
Freeing.
It brought me a glimmer of clarity and peace that I never thought I’d know.
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate a new job – a new lease on life – than with a delicious little cocktail that’s perfect for Cinco de Mayo, can you?
This page includes step by step instructions, as well as tips and notes. If you’d like to skip all that, feel free to scroll down to the full, printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
I won’t wax poetic about career changes, but I highly recommend them. Especially if you’re mostly miserable where you are.
Excuse my Millennial, but in spite of hating the shorthanded, hipster phrasing, I am a firm believer in YOLO.
You Only Live Once.
For the last three weeks, I’ve been explaining my decision to leave my career of 17 years for a relatively uncertain future, but I haven’t needed to.
Long story short, if I don’t leave now and do something that makes me happy…I never will.
And since I’m so highly supported and encouraged by my husband and loved ones, it didn’t seem fair to myself to not take the chance.
I’ve jumped feet-first into a fast moving train of a job, but I think I’ve found the seatbelt. Now if someone would pass me a Blackberry Paloma to enjoy the ride with, I think I’ll be set!
So, Palomas. What are they?
Think of a margarita, but you toss in some deliciously tart grapefruit juice. That’s basically it. You can also swap out the tequila and end up with a smokier Mezcal Paloma.
It’s a lovely cocktail, and this one is made even lovelier with the use of fresh blackberries and bright mint to balance out the bitter citrus.
It’s gonna be a delicious addition to your Cinco de Mayo menu, too – right next to those perfect Blackberry Margaritas.
What’s in a Paloma Cocktail?
A simple, standard paloma is made up of tequila, lime juice, sugar, and then a fizzy grapefruit juice – either soda or juice + sparkling water.
In THIS paloma, you’ll find all of that PLUS muddled blackberries & mint.
How To Make A Paloma Cocktail:
- To start, squeeze a lime wedge into a cocktail jigger, or in the bottom of a glass if you’re without one. Add the blackberries, mint, and lime wedge and muddle together.
- Next, add grapefruit juice, tequila, and simple syrup (or sugar). Shake or stir until well mixed.
- Fill a glass to the top with ice, pour the cocktail in, and top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with mint.
Try these other fun Cinco de Mayo drink recipes!
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Blackberry Paloma
Ingredients
- 5 fresh blackberries
- 2 fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup fresh grapefruit juice
- 3 shots tequila blanco
- 1 shot simple syrup or agave nectar
- ¼ lime wedge juiced
- ½ cup sparkling water or club soda
- Fresh mint for garnish
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail jigger, squeeze the juice from the lime wedge. Gently muddle the blackberries, mint, and squeezed lime wedge together.
- Add the grapefruit juice, tequila, and simple syrup. Shake until well mixed.
- Pour over a tall glass filled with ice and top up with sparkling water. Garnish with mint as desired.
Laura Dembowski says
This looks and sounds so bright and happy and refreshing! I also LOVE your attitude. You have to fight to be happy or what are we doing here. Someone told me a bad day fighting for your dreams isn’t really that bad. That’s true. There will still be bad days, but they will be worth it.
Erica says
Thank you, Laura! I love those words, and they’re so true!! If you never try, you’ll never know, right? 🙂
cheri says
What a fabulous drink and the perfect way to celebrate your freedom. Now I know what to do with some of the blackberries around here in the summer;)
Erica says
Thank you, Cheri! These are definitely a perfect way to use up your blackberries – of course, if you’re my husband, you just eat the pint before the groceries even make it home… 😉
Hezzi-D says
This looks super refreshing and I love the color!
Erin says
LOVE this cocktail recipe!!! I have some gorgeous grapefruits in my fridge and I’ve been wanting to try to make a paloma.
Melisa says
What a beautiful beverage! And I do have all of those ingredients at home right now. My husband is a huge fan of blackberries and grapefruit so this is a must try soon. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sandra Watts says
A nice refreshing summer drink.
Denise Wright says
Good luck to you on your new career! You are right, if you don’t do it now you never will. I love the idea of this cocktail. Not only is it beautiful but I love a new tequila recipe!
Eileen says
Congrats on the job change and taking the leap. This beautiful drink is the perfect way to celebrate!
Liz @ Books n' Cooks says
I don’t think there are words for how excited I am about trying this recipe. I’ve been a bit nervous about making Palomas because I was worried they’d be too sour, but I bet the blackberries even it out beautifully.
Good luck on your new job! Cheers to a long happy future there!
Erica says
I was nervous too, and I LOVE grapefruit! Honestly, I think I got the ratio just right – it’s slightly bitter, but the tequila & berries definitely mellow it out. Let me know what you think, and thank you!
Sarah Reid, CNP (@jo_jo_ba) says
this looks delicious! Dumb question, but what can I swap for the alcohol since I can’t drink?
Erica says
Not dumb at all! I actually made these virgin by mistake at first (who forgets the liquor in a cocktail shaker??) so you can just add a bit more grapefruit or sparkling water/club soda to fill ‘er up – whichever you like better! Cheers, girl!
Sarah Reid, CNP (@jo_jo_ba) says
Thanks!
Caroline says
This looks so good, I love the blackberry twist. And so glad you had a fantastic time with friends to celebrate your transition – onwards with new things!
Erica says
Thank you, sweet Caroline! <3
Teri @ The Freshman Cook says
Beautiful and refreshing! So perfect for Cinco de Mayo and any other reason to celebrate!
Tara says
Such a gorgeous and refreshing drink! I love your styling.
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
Congrats and cheers to new beginnings, love. You are so talented and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Including, of course, many more girl dates to come. <3
CAFFAHOLIC says
exactly what i was looking for…super delicious, easy to prepare and takes less time. Thanks for sharing 🙂