The Best Tequila for Paloma in 2025: Our Expert Picks

The Best Tequila for Paloma in 2025: Our Expert Picks

The Paloma is one of our favorite picks for the summer. It’s fun, it’s fresh, and it all starts with tequila. This pink fizz, with its grapefruit sparkle, has rightfully earned its place as a modern classic. The combination of tart, sweet, and slightly bitter notes is perfectly balanced, but it’s tequila that gives the Paloma its signature character and satisfying kick.

Made from the Blue Weber agave plant, tequila is the heart and soul of this Mexican cocktail. Whether you prefer the crisp brightness of Blanco, the smooth complexity of Reposado, or the deep richness of Añejo, tequila is what makes the Paloma an unforgettable summer staple.

Each version brings its own depth and character to a cocktail. The right bottle will bring a subtle smokiness or sweetness that will blend in beautifully with the Paloma’s grapefruit soda and lime ingredients without being too overpowering. 

Below, we’ve gathered our expert picks for the best tequila for Paloma. Every bottle here, chosen through rigorous testing based on flavor, compatibility, quality, and value, is available on Flaviar for online purchase. 

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Our Top 5 Tequilas for Paloma Best Tequila for Paloma

After testing out dozens of bottles, we have compiled a list of tequilas that perfectly complement the vibrant citrus notes of Paloma, with the right bite of agave:



· 750ml · 40% ABV

About Clase Azul Reposado Tequila

Clase Azul Reposado Tequila is the ultimate reposado experience. It’s the kind of tequila you sip slowly and savor, with the added bonus of making your premium cocktails even better. Made from 100% organic agave, nurtured over nine years, it’s cooked in traditional ovens and fermented with a secret yeast blend before being distilled three times. 

Finally, it’s aged in American oak whiskey casks, giving it rich notes of oak, vanilla, and earthy flavors.

On the nose, it’s fruity and sweet, while the palate brings a perfect mix of agave nectar, ripe orange peel, cinnamon, spices, and bittersweet chocolate. 

The finish is short but fiery, with spice that lingers, tempting you for another sip. Although it’s a collector’s gem, it’s just as enjoyable as a sipping tequila, and that beautiful bottle doubles as a decanter.

View more about Clase Azul Reposado Tequila >>
Regular
$161.99
Flaviar black
$153.90 (−5%)
Clase Azul Reposado Tequila Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Light gold color.

Nose / Aroma

A sweet aroma with cooked agave nectar, toasted wood, clove, and vanilla aromas.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Agave-forward flavor profile with hints of ripe orange peel, toasted hazelnut, cinnamon, and spices.

Finish

Short but fiery finish with warming spices.


2.

Montelobos Espadín Mezcal

Montelobos Mezcal

· 750ml · 43.2% ABV

About Montelobos Espadín Mezcal

Enter the “Way of the Wolf” with Montelobos Mezcal, a brand with bold spirits and even bolder roots. This mezcal was born in Oaxaca and Puebla from the mind of botanist Dr. Ivan Saldaña and fifth-generation mezcalero Don Abel López Mateos. 

The philosophy behind the creation of this drink was the element of discovery. Each time a person takes a sip, they should discover something new about the spirit’s unique layering and tasting notes. 

Montelobos Espadín Mezcal is born from organically grown Espadín agave, roasted to perfection in a conical underground pit fired with encino and pine wood. The magic continues as it’s crushed using a traditional single-stone tahona, then left to ferment wild and free in open pine vats. It’s old-school craftsmanship with bold, smoky energy in every drop. 

This drink takes artisanal mezcal to greater heights with the distinctive flavors of green and cooked agave. Palomas are bright and citrusy as is, so an earthy depth with a hint of smokiness really balances out the flavors. If you're looking to switch things up from your usual tequila for Paloma, this is a bold and flavorful alternative worth exploring.

View more about Montelobos Espadín Mezcal >>
Regular
$36.99
Flaviar black
$29.60 (−20%)
Montelobos Espadín Mezcal Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Crystal clear.

Nose / Aroma

Earthy notes with honey, citrus, asparagus, and smoke.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Green agave, cooked agave, nuts, and herbs with a smoky touch.

Finish

Long and fruity.


3.

Espolòn Blanco Tequila

Espolòn Tequila

· 750ml · 40% ABV

About Espolòn Blanco Tequila

If you’re a tequila aficionado, there’s no way you haven’t already heard of Espolòn, as it’s one of the most iconic names in the industry. Crystal clear, premium ingredients, and pure simplicity – these are the qualities that make up Espolòn. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with the simplicity of the recipe. It makes this drink one of the best Blanco Tequila options, especially if you’re after pure flavor with no gimmicks.

The brand says this tequila is made for shaking, meaning it’s perfect for cocktails, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Go ahead and sip it neat, or enjoy it as a shot! Plus, at this price, you're getting an impressive deal on a high-quality Blanco Tequila. 

View more about Espolòn Blanco Tequila >>
Regular
$29.99
Flaviar black
$22.50 (−25%)
Espolòn Blanco Tequila Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Platinum clear.

Nose / Aroma

Slightly floral scent with notes of guava, pineapple, lemon zest, and even a little white pepper.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Soft and wet taste that builds on the fruity and spicy aromas.

Finish

Clean finish with a little hint of spice.


4.

Fortaleza Blanco Tequila

Tequila Fortaleza

· 750ml · 40% ABV

About Fortaleza Blanco Tequila

Fortaleza Blanco Tequila launched in 2005, but the family behind it has been crafting tequila for five generations. That means you’re getting a premium, time-honored tequila experience. The distillery sits in Jalisco, the heart of tequila country, so each sip delivers pure, authentic tequila. 

It greets you with a smooth, viscous mouthfeel and earthy aromas that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Plus, it comes with a die-cast replica of the agave plant used for the tequila, and of course, it's handmade in Mexico, just like its bottle. What sets this drink apart is that it offers premium quality at an affordable price, making it the best Blanco Tequila out there.

View more about Fortaleza Blanco Tequila >>
$107.99
Fortaleza Blanco Tequila Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Silvery and a little translucent.

Nose / Aroma

Roasted vegetables, citrus, and some earthy notes.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Potent flavors include olive oil, basil, and plenty of zest from white peppers and lime.

Finish

Butter-cream flavors that leave you feeling warm.


5.

· 750ml · 40% ABV

About Clase Azul Plata Tequila

Another unaged tequila that comes very close to being the best tequila for Paloma, Clase Azul Plata delivers the fresh, vibrant flavor of agave in every sip, perfect for those who like their drinks clean and crisp. This is another bottle on the pricier side, but the gorgeous glass decanter speaks for itself. 

This elegance seeps into every drink you add this tequila to. You’ll find more herbal and floral notes than your usual spirit, making your Paloma feel like a much more sophisticated and fragrant drink. 

It’s perfect for a garden party out in the summer or anytime you want your cocktails to steal the show!

View more about Clase Azul Plata Tequila >>
$146.99
Clase Azul Plata Tequila Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Crystal clear with brilliant silver highlights.

Nose / Aroma

Fresh and herbal with notes of orange peel, lemon, and green apple.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Cooked agave, green apple, and lemon peel.

Finish

Citrusy with herbal notes.

What Is a Good Tequila Paloma Recipe?

The classic Paloma is one of the easiest cocktails to whip up. It only takes a few simple ingredients and barely any effort. All you need is 2 oz tequila (Blanco or Reposado), ½ oz fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, and grapefruit soda to top it off. You can also use ¼ oz agave syrup for some extra sweetness. 

Fill a highball glass with ice and add in the tequila, lime juice, and salt. Stir for a bit and top it off with the soda. 

You can also garnish the drink with a lime wedge or a grapefruit slice. Try experimenting with Smoky Paloma, Spicy Paloma, and Grapefruit Twist to keep things interesting. 

How to Choose the Best Tequila for Paloma?

The first thing to consider when choosing the best tequila for Paloma is the type of spirit you want to work with. Blancos add more clarity and brightness, whereas Reposados add a complexity and slight sweetness to round off the Paloma’s flavor profile. 

Mezcal is our wildcard. You can use it to add some extra smokiness to balance out the already bright flavors of the drink. Alongside this, keep in mind the production methods, additives (if any), and alcohol content of the drink. 

All these factors work together to shape the flavor of your tequila, enhancing every sip of your Paloma and making each one a new experience.

How Much Does a Tequila for Paloma Cost?

The cost of tequila for Paloma ranges around $25 to $150+, depending on whether you’re going for an everyday pour or a collector’s item to show off on your shelf (no judgement, we’ve all been there!)

There's a wide range of bottles that suit every budget. When looking to buy tequila for Paloma, we recommend finding a bottle that’s balanced enough to mix well in a good cocktail, but not so expensive that you’d feel bad about not sipping it straight. 

Can You Drink the Same Tequila Straight You Used in a Paloma?

Yes, but it depends on the bottle you choose. Premium tequilas like Clase Azul Reposado or Fortaleza Blanco are exceptional when enjoyed neat or on the rocks. 

On the other hand, Espolòn Blanco works better when mixed into a good Paloma. If you're looking for more top choices, check out our list of the best sipping tequilas.

What Other Cocktails Can You Make With Tequila?

Ask any bartender and they’ll tell you that tequila is one of the most versatile spirits behind every bar. You can mix it up in all sorts of classics, from Margaritas and Tequila Sunrise to Ranch Water and Tequila Mule. Be open to experimentation because your perfect drink might be just a twist away!