Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your gas, charcoal, or pellet grill to medium-high heat (400–500°F / 200–260°C).
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Caramelize the Citrus
Pour the white sugar into a shallow dish.
Dip the cut sides of the grapefruit and lemon halves into the sugar.
Place them on the grill and cook for about 1½–2 minutes, until caramelized and lightly charred.
Grill grapefruit medallion slices separately until just lightly charred.
Step 3: Juice and Prepare Garnish
Squeeze the grilled grapefruit and lemon halves to extract juice.
Cut the grilled grapefruit medallions into halves or quarters.
Make a small notch at the base of each piece so it can sit on the rim of a glass.
Step 4: Build the Cocktails
Fill two cocktail glasses (about 10 oz each) with ice cubes.
Add to each glass:
2 oz tequila
Fresh grapefruit juice
Fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp simple syrup
Stir well to combine.
Top each glass with about ½ cup grapefruit soda water.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with grilled grapefruit wedges on the rim.
Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.
Tips for the Best Grilled Paloma
Use fresh citrus for the brightest flavour.
Don’t skip grilling — it adds signature smoky caramel notes.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.
Serve over lots of ice to keep it crisp and refreshing.
