Lower Your Calorie Count with a Keto Low-Calorie Paloma

The origins of the Paloma cocktail, like the end of our Saturday nights, are shrouded in mystery. Theories suggest that its name, which means “dove” in Spanish, is linked to an old Mexican folk song called ‘La Paloma.’ While we’ll never know how the drink actually got its name, we know for sure that this low-cal recipe makes for a killer cocktail.

The traditional Paloma is not keto-friendly due to the sugar content and hidden cards. This adaptation, using La Croix Grapefruit Sparkling Water and omitting added sugars like agave syrup, makes it suitable for a keto diet, while the lime juice and tequila ensure it retains its sweet fruitiness. Technically, fruit juices aren’t keto friendly, but lemon and lime are the exceptions as both are low in carbs.

Keto Low-Calorie Paloma Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 oz blanco tequila
• 1 tbsp lime juice (we go by the rule: 1 tbsp = ½ oz = ½ lime; we sometimes like a lot of lime, so we’ll use a whole lime; others prefer only a half of lime squeezed into the drink. Try it with half and add the second half if it suits you)
• 4-6 ounces La Croix Grapefruit Sparkling Water (or something similar)
• Coarse salt and grapefruit zest for salt rim
• lime wedge for garnish

Steps

1. Mix coarse salt and the zest from a grapefruit and a lime on a small plate.
2. Wet the rim of your cocktail glass with water and coat it with the salt mixture (optional).
3. Fill the cocktail or highball glass with ice cubes.
4. Pour 2 oz of tequila, ½ oz lime juice (or more), and sparkling water into your highball glass.
5. Stir well.
6. Garnish with lime or grapefruit slice (technically, grapefruit is on the keto naughty list).

Click here for more low calorie Tequila options.

How Does a Paloma Differ from Margarita?

This classic cocktail has deep roots in Mexican culture and has various interpretations, including a spicy version featuring jalapenos that will get your taste buds tingling with every sip. It’s commonly seen as more popular in Mexico than the Margarita. Its simplicity and refreshing taste make it a favorite. Some accounts even attribute its creation to the emergence of grapefruit soda in Mexico.

A traditional Paloma cocktail comprises tequila, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and grapefruit soda. The primary difference comes from leaving out the Cointreau or triple sec to create a less sweet flavor profile. No orange liqueurs! The lack of grapefruit soda in a margarita is another difference as well.