What is a Paloma, if not an excuse to sip a little bit of paradise? This pineapple-tinged version is a complete treat, and ideal for cocktail lovers who love their drinks on the sweeter end of the spectrum. It pairs well with easy eats like tacos or ceviche, and goes down very easy on sunny days.
Pineapple Paloma
PREP TIME 2 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Add the tequila, pineapple juice and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice
02
2.
Shake until frosty, strain into a serving glass over fresh ice, and garnish with a pineapple wedge
Why pineapple is a perfect Paloma twist
The classic Paloma is known for its crisp, citrusy snap, but if you’re craving something a little sweeter and more tropical, pineapple is the move. This golden fruit adds juicy depth and natural sugars that mellow out the lime, creating a drink that’s bright, smooth, and packed with sunshine.
Pineapple also adds body to the drink, giving it a more velvety feel on the tongue. And when paired with tequila’s earthy edge and a splash of fresh lime? It’s like a little vacation in a glass.
Also see: 10 Gin and Pineapple Cocktails for a Tropical Twist
How to choose the right pineapple juice
Not all pineapple juice is created equal, and a great drink starts with good ingredients. Here’s how to pick a winner:
- Go for 100% juice: Skip the sugary blends or cocktail mixers—pure pineapple juice has the best flavor and balance.
- Fresh is fab: If you’ve got a juicer or blender, fresh pineapple juice is next level. It’s brighter and has more texture.
- Chilled is better: Cold juice helps your drink stay cooler longer and keeps the ice from melting too fast.
PRO TIP! If your juice is super sweet, you can add a splash of soda water to balance it out without losing that island vibe.
Simple ways to level up your Pineapple Paloma
This cocktail is easygoing by nature, but if you’re looking to impress (or just treat yourself), here are a few quick upgrades:
- Spicy rim: Tajín or chili salt on the rim gives a bold contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Grilled pineapple garnish: Throw a slice on the grill for a few minutes—it adds smoky caramel notes and looks stunning on the glass.
- Mint or basil sprig: A fresh herb garnish cuts through the sweetness and adds aroma with every sip.
- Coconut twist: Swap out some of the pineapple juice for coconut water or coconut cream for a lush, beachy variation.
Learn more: 10 Tequila and Pineapple Cocktails for a Taste of Paradise
Food that pairs perfectly with a Pineapple Paloma
This drink is all about tropical sweetness and citrusy kick, which makes it a dream partner for bold, spicy, and tangy dishes. Here’s what to serve with it:
- Shrimp tacos with mango salsa: Juicy, spicy, and just a little sweet, perfect with pineapple’s golden charm.
- Ceviche: Limey, bright seafood dishes are a natural match for the tart-sweet combo in this cocktail.
- Pulled pork sliders: The richness of slow-cooked pork gets balanced beautifully by the Paloma’s acidity.
- Grilled halloumi skewers with pineapple: Sweet meets salty meets seared (completely divine!).
Read next: 15 Totally Tropical Cocktails with Pineapple Juice
More fruity cocktails to try if you love this one
If the Pineapple Paloma hit all the right notes, you might also enjoy the following clinkers. Each one brings a new take on tropical flair, but all of them go down easy when the sun’s out (or when you wish it was).
Pineapple Martini
Tequila Sunrise
Jungle Bird
Mai Tai
Vodka & Pineapple Juice
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes! You can make a mocktail version by swapping the tequila for sparkling water or a zero-proof tequila alternative. The juice combo still shines.
Blanco tequila works best here—it’s clean, light, and doesn’t overpower the sweetness. We’re fans of Espolòn, which plays well with fruit-forward cocktails.
Absolutely. Mix the pineapple juice, lime juice, and tequila in a pitcher. Store it in the fridge, then pour over ice and garnish right before serving.
