Pineapple Palomas: The Perfect Cocktail for Your Galentine’s Day

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Cheers, ladies! 
Because sometimes, you just need that one drink—the one that hits like your bestie’s best joke, straight to the heart. The one that reminds you that friendship is better than any cheesy love story and that a Galentine’s Day without a cocktail in hand is like Netflix without WiFi.

Enter the Pineapple Paloma—your new BFF in the world of drinks. Fruity, seductively sweet, and with a hint of tequila to remind us that we’re definitely over 18 (even if we still feel 16 at heart).
Pineapple Palomas - Food & Drink Photography Switzerland - Velvet & Vinegar

So grab your favorite ladies, a big bowl of your favorite snack, and get ready for the Pineapple Paloma, the star of your next girls’ night.

Why a Pineapple Paloma?

Do you know that feeling when you’re lying on the beach, the sun is warming your skin, and you desperately need something to cool you down from the inside? That’s exactly what a Pineapple Paloma offers. This cocktail combines the best of the classic Mexican Paloma with a fruity-exotic pineapple twist.

But wait, Paloma what?

If you’re wondering whether you’ve ever seen a Paloma on a cocktail menu during one of your bar-hopping adventures: It’s basically the Mexican cousin of the world-famous Margarita. A mix of tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime. But why settle for grapefruit when you can have the queen of tropical fruits—pineapple? The Pineapple Paloma is like the younger, cooler sister—always a little more playful, a little sweeter, and definitely unforgettable.

A Pineapple Cocktail for Galentine’s Day

Nothing says “I love you, best friend!” more than a perfectly mixed cocktail in one hand and a snack platter in the other. Especially on a day like Galentine’s Day, which is all about you and your friendship. No Valentine’s Day chocolate clichés, no staged “couple goals” posts—just you, delicious snacks, and the unbeatable taste of a Pineapple Paloma.

Quick, easy, and wow

The best part about this cocktail? You don’t need a full bar setup or a bartender certification to make it. The Pineapple Paloma is ready in minutes. Perfect for when your friend shows up 15 minutes early because “she has the latest gossip to share.”

Pineapple Flatlay - Food & Drink Photography Switzerland - Velvet & Vinegar
This photo is heavily inspired by and recreated from Twinsinmykitchen, all credits to her brilliant mind.
Pineapple Cocktail - Food & Drink Photography Switzerland - Velvet & Vinegar

Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Paloma

Okay, before you start shaking things up, let’s talk about the little details. Because, as with all good things in life, it’s the details that matter. Here are some pro tips to take your cocktail from “decent” to “OMG, what is this flavor explosion?!”

  1. The Tequila makes a Difference
    A good Paloma is made with 100% agave tequila. Whether Blanco or Reposado is up to you. Of course, the quality of the tequila also plays a big role. If you’re someone who enjoys tequila cocktails regularly, investing in a good-quality bottle is worth it. And be honest—you know your best friend and yourself deserve only the best. Or you can do what I do and just grab whatever’s available at your go-to supermarket. #sorrynotsorry—I don’t really know much about alcohol anyway 🤭.
  2. Fresh is King
    Bottled pineapple juice? Sure, you can use it, but if you juice the fruit fresh, you’ll taste the difference. If you have some extra time, run that pineapple through a juicer. If not? No worries—you can absolutely go for store-bought pineapple juice. Psst… That’s what I did too, because my household (unlike me) loves it. Bonus points if you have fresh pineapple on hand—you can use the peel as a fancy garnish. Instagram will love you for it.
  3. The Right Mix
    Here’s the secret: The balance between the sweet pineapple, the slight bitterness of the grapefruit soda, and the freshness of the lime is key. Feel free to experiment—just like curating the perfect playlist for your night, the order has to be just right. My Paloma version, for example, has less alcohol—you can barely taste it. Instead, I use more grapefruit soda because I love the flavor. The pineapple juice is also on the lighter side, since I’m not the biggest fan of pineapple juice, even though I love the fruit itself. Just a little side note for you.
Pineapple Cocktail in the Making - Food & Drink Photography Switzerland - Velvet & Vinegar

The Pineapple Paloma: More Than Just a Drink

A cocktail is never just a cocktail. It sets the stage for unforgettable memories. The first round of Pineapple Palomas kicks off fits of laughter, deep conversations, and the realization that your dance moves are actually way better than you thought (even if your phone’s video footage says otherwise).

Picture the evening:

The lights are dimmed, the table is set with a few candles, and of course, the legendary snacks your bestie always brings. You serve the Pineapple Palomas—the glasses glisten as if they were straight out of a Pinterest post. The first sip: Fruity, refreshing, with just the right hint of tequila. And suddenly, the cold February night feels like a warm summer evening in Mexico.

Why the Pineapple Cocktail Always Wins

Sure, there are countless cocktails out there. But the Pineapple Paloma is like the perfect party guest: It brings energy to the night, is irresistibly charming, and leaves a lasting impression. This cocktail is the answer to the question, “What are we drinking tonight?”—without a 10-minute debate.

As versatile as a chameleon

Whether you like it sweet, sour, or slightly bitter—the Pineapple Paloma adapts to your preferences. With a few caramelized pineapple chunks and leaves on the rim, it turns into a tropical escape in winter. Add some mint and lime garnish, and it instantly gives off spa vibes.

Cocktail with pineapple - Food & Drink Photography Switzerland -  Velvet & Vinegar

Final Thoughts: Shake It, Baby!

So, what are you waiting for? Galentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to try the Pineapple Paloma and show your besties that you’re not just the queen of snacks but also the queen of drinks.

And when you watch your friends take that first sip of this tropical delight, you’ll know: This isn’t just a cocktail. This is love in a glass.


So go on, girls, grab your ingredients, and let’s make this Galentine’s Day unforgettable. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your Palomas, share it on Instagram, and tag me!

Cheers!

Cocktail with pineapple - Food & Drink Photography Switzerland -  Velvet & Vinegar
Cocktail with pineapple - Food & Drink Photography Switzerland - Velvet & Vinegar

Pineapple Palomas

Because sometimes, you just need that one drink—the one that hits like your bestie’s best joke, straight to the heart. The one that reminds you that friendship is better than any cheesy love story and that a Galentine’s Day without a cocktail in hand is like Netflix without WiFi.
Enter the Pineapple Paloma—your new BFF in the world of drinks. Fruity, seductively sweet, and with a hint of tequila to remind us that we’re definitely over 18 (even if we still feel 16 at heart).
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Beverages
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 131 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 juicer optional*
  • 1 bar/cocktail spoon

Ingredients
 

  • ice cubes as desired
  • 4 tsp agave syrup
  • 2 limes, juice
  • 80 ml tequila*
  • 200 ml pineapple juice
  • 200 ml grapefruit soda
  • Pineapple chunks for decoration
  • Pineapple leaves for decoration
  • Lime wedges for decoration

Instructions
 

  • add ice cubes to the glasses
  • squeeze the lime juice and divide it between the 4 glasses.
  • add the agave syrup.
  • add the tequila, pineapple juice, and grapefruit soda. Mix everything well.
  • garnish the drinks with pineapple chunks, lime wedges and pineapple leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

1. Instead of tequila, you can also use non-alcoholic tequila. Or leave out the tequila completely and use more soda and pineapple juice for a delicious mocktail. If you like your drink a little stronger, you can double the amount of tequila and then add 10ml less pineapple juice and 10ml less grapefruit soda per glass.
2. If you can’t find grapefruit soda or tonic, you can add a few drops of grapefruit essential oil to sparkling water as I did. But please make sure you use an essential oil that is suitable for consumption.
3. You only need the juicer if you want to squeeze the pineapple juice yourself.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 99mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 19IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.4mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @velvetandvinegar or tag #velvetandvinegar!
Pineapple Paloma - Food & Drink Photography Switzerland - Velvet & Vinegar

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