The Best Grapefruit Sodas for Palomas, According to Our Editors

Updated Apr 17, 2026 · 3 min read

Dive into the refreshing world of Palomas with our curated selection of the best grapefruit sodas! Whether you’re looking for something classic or a unique twist, our editors have.

Exploring the Perfect Grapefruit Soda for Your Paloma: A Taste Test Review

In the ever-evolving world of craft cocktails, the Paloma has carved out a niche for itself as a refreshing favorite. As Liquor.com’s editorial director and seasoned bartender Dylan Garret recalls, the craft cocktail boom around 2010 saw a surge in bars attempting to elevate the Paloma experience. Bartenders began squeezing fresh grapefruit juice to order and topping it with soda water, aiming for that perfect blend of fresh and fizzy. Since then, brands like Fever Tree and Q Mixers have emerged, offering bottled sodas that capture the essence of fresh grapefruit without the hassle.

Fresh Juice vs. Bottled Soda: Which is Better for Your Paloma?

This leads us to a burning question: is fresh grapefruit juice truly superior, or is the essence of the Paloma encapsulated in pre-bottled grapefruit soda? The debate continues—does a traditional Paloma necessitate the use of Mexican Squirt over its American counterpart? And what about sugar-free options like Fresca? Are they worthy mixers for your cocktails?

To answer these questions, our editorial team engaged in a spirited tasting session that began as a friendly debate over Jarritos versus Squirt. The tasting took place from our respective locations: Garret and associate editor Audrey Morgan in New York, while vice president Alexis Doctolero and senior editor Prairie Rose joined from California.

A Divided Camp: Jarritos vs. Squirt

East Coast native Garret entered the tasting firmly on Team Jarritos, while his West Coast colleagues, Doctolero and Rose, championed Team Squirt. Morgan, with no strong opinions, found herself playfully accused of not even liking grapefruit. (For the record, she denies this claim.)

After an engaging taste test, we identified three distinct categories of grapefruit sodas:

1. Classics: This includes beloved staples like Squirt and Jarritos, known for their traditional flavors.
2. Modern Sodas: These brands offer a more authentic grapefruit taste, appealing to those who seek depth and complexity in their mixers.
3. Outliers: While not originally intended for Palomas, these sodas were included in our tasting for curiosity’s sake, yielding mixed results.

Personal Preference: The Key to the Perfect Paloma

Our findings suggest that the "best" grapefruit soda is largely subjective, heavily influenced by personal flavor preferences and past Paloma experiences. As Rose aptly puts it, “It’s like Twizzlers versus Red Vines. Your palate is personal. You're like, ‘This is what a Paloma is to me.’”

Ultimately, whether you prefer the zesty punch of a classic Squirt or the sophisticated notes of a modern soda, the key to a great Paloma lies in finding a grapefruit soda that resonates with your unique taste.

Conclusion

As the Paloma continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the debate over grapefruit sodas is as vibrant as the cocktail itself. Whether you're mixing for a casual get-together or crafting a signature drink for a special occasion, understanding your options will help you create the perfect Paloma every time. Cheers to delicious cocktails and personal flavor journeys!

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