Margarita vs paloma: what's the difference?
Both are tequila and lime, but a margarita adds orange liqueur and is shaken, while a paloma tops tequila with grapefruit soda, so it's fizzier, lighter and a little bitter.
Margarita
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Tart, limey and salty-rimmed, the bright classic.
What does Margarita taste like?Paloma
EasyBoozy
TartSweet
Not bitterBracing
Tall, fizzy grapefruit with tequila, a bit bitter and very easy.
What does Paloma taste like?The real difference
A margarita is tequila, lime and orange liqueur shaken and served up or on the rocks, often with a salt rim. A paloma is tequila and lime topped with grapefruit soda, or fresh grapefruit juice and soda water, in a tall glass. The margarita is stronger and tarter; the paloma is longer and more refreshing.
Side by side
MargaritaPaloma
BuiltShakenBuilt tall over ice
CitrusLime and orange liqueurGrapefruit and lime
TastesTart, limey, orangeGrapefruit, fizzy, a bit bitter
Which to order
- Order a margarita if you want a tart, punchy tequila drink.
- Order a paloma if you want something tall and fizzy that goes down easy.
Quick questions
- Which is less sweet, a margarita or a paloma?
- Usually the paloma, as long as the grapefruit soda isn't too sugary. Fresh-juice palomas with soda water are the driest.
- Can you make either with mezcal?
- Yes. Smoky margaritas and mezcal palomas are on lots of menus, and smoke works with both lime and grapefruit.