How Many Calories Are in a Paloma Fresca Drink?

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

A 12-ounce can of the popular Fresca Mixed Tequila Paloma contains 100 calories, offering a lighter alternative to many sugary cocktails. In this guide, we dive into how many calories are in a Paloma Fresca drink and reveal how different preparation methods impact its overall nutritional value.

Quick Summary

Compare the calorie content of homemade Paloma Fresca recipes and canned versions. Understand how ingredient choices like grapefruit soda, fresh juice, and agave nectar impact the total calorie count, and discover methods for a healthier alternative.

Key Points

Canned Palomas: Pre-mixed canned options, like Fresca Mixed Tequila Paloma, typically contain around 100 calories per 12-ounce can.
Traditional Recipe: A Paloma made with sugary grapefruit soda can contain over 250 calories due to the high sugar content of the mixer.
Low-Calorie Option: A 'skinny' version using fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling water significantly lowers the calorie count to around 110-140 calories, depending on any added sweetener.
Tequila's Role: The alcohol itself is a primary calorie source, with a 1.5-ounce shot of tequila contributing approximately 97 calories.
Sweetener Impact: Swapping sugary soda for fresh juice and adding a small amount of agave (approx. 21 calories per tsp) or a zero-calorie substitute offers greater control over calories.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is an essential, low-calorie ingredient, adding about 10-11 calories per lime.
Best for Control: Making your Paloma at home with fresh ingredients is the most effective way to manage and reduce its overall calorie count.

Decoding the Calories in a Paloma Fresca

The Paloma is a classic Mexican cocktail traditionally made with tequila, lime juice, and a grapefruit-flavored soda. The term 'Paloma Fresca' often implies a fresher, homemade version using natural ingredients, but can also refer to pre-mixed canned options like those produced by Fresca. The calorie count of your drink depends heavily on its ingredients and preparation method. A simple, fresh-squeezed Paloma will have a different calorie count than one made with a sugar-laden soda or a pre-mixed cocktail in a can.

Canned vs. Homemade: A Calorie Breakdown

For a quick and convenient option, canned cocktails like the Fresca Mixed Tequila Paloma offer a clear nutritional snapshot. However, for a more authentic and customizable flavor, a homemade version is best. Here’s how they stack up:

Canned Paloma Fresca: A 12-ounce can of Fresca Mixed Tequila Paloma contains just 100 calories, with no added sugar. This is an appealingly low number for those watching their caloric intake, and it's achieved by using a sugar-free mixer.
Homemade Traditional Paloma: A standard recipe uses tequila, fresh lime juice, and a full-sugar grapefruit soda like Jarritos or Squirt. A 12-ounce bottle of grapefruit soda can add anywhere from 150 to 170 calories, with substantial added sugar. Combine that with approximately 97 calories from a 1.5-ounce shot of tequila, and your drink can easily exceed 250 calories.
Homemade 'Skinny' Paloma: This lighter version swaps the sugary soda for fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling water or a zero-calorie grapefruit-flavored sparkling water. A 1.5-ounce shot of tequila and fresh lime juice (approx. 10 calories per lime) with calorie-free sparkling water results in a drink of roughly 110-120 calories, assuming a small amount of fresh juice and a dash of sweetener.

A Deeper Dive into Calorie Sources

The calories in a Paloma come from two main components: the alcohol and the sweetener. Understanding the contribution of each ingredient is key to controlling the total calorie load.

Tequila: Most of the calories in any Paloma will come from the tequila itself. A standard 1.5-ounce (44ml) shot of 80-proof tequila contains approximately 97 calories, with no carbohydrates or fat. Choosing a good quality blanco or silver tequila is recommended for a cleaner taste that pairs well with the fresh citrus flavors.
Sweetener: This is where the biggest calorie variability lies. Grapefruit sodas contain significant amounts of added sugar. Using fresh grapefruit juice provides natural sugars and more nutrients, but can still add calories (a cup of fresh grapefruit juice has around 96 calories). For a lower-calorie alternative, many recipes suggest a small amount of agave nectar. A single teaspoon of agave nectar adds about 21 calories. The best low-calorie option is a zero-calorie grapefruit sparkling water or mineral water like Topo Chico with a little fresh grapefruit juice.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds negligible calories but is essential for the cocktail's acidic balance. The juice of a single lime typically contains around 10-11 calories.

Creating a Healthier, Low-Calorie Paloma

If you want to enjoy a Paloma without the high calorie count, follow these steps to build your own perfect, lighter version:

Select Your Tequila: Start with a high-quality blanco tequila. Aged tequilas can add more complex flavors, but a clean blanco is a classic choice. A 1.5-2 ounce pour is standard.
Use Fresh Juice: Squeeze fresh grapefruit and lime juice. The natural sweetness and tartness from fresh fruit are more vibrant than artificial flavors in soda.
Choose Your Bubbles: Instead of a full-sugar soda, opt for a sparkling mineral water or a zero-calorie grapefruit sparkling water. This gives you the effervescence without the added calories.
Mind the Sweetener: Taste your drink before adding a sweetener. The natural fruit juices may be enough. If not, use a small amount of agave nectar or even a zero-calorie sugar substitute. A traditional Paloma doesn't actually need much sweetener, if any.
Garnish and Rim: A salt rim is a classic Paloma component that adds a savory contrast. A grapefruit or lime wedge garnish adds a final touch of flavor and aroma.

Paloma Calorie Comparison Table


Drink Type	Tequila (1.5 oz)	Grapefruit Soda/Juice	Sweetener	Approx. Total Calories
Canned Paloma	Included	Included (diet)	None	100
Homemade Traditional	~97 kcal	~170 kcal (sugared soda)	None	~267 kcal
Homemade 'Skinny'	~97 kcal	~20 kcal (fresh juice + seltzer)	None	~117 kcal
Homemade with Agave	~97 kcal	~20 kcal (fresh juice + seltzer)	~21 kcal (1 tsp agave)	~138 kcal

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Paloma Wisely

The calories in a Paloma Fresca can vary dramatically depending on how it's prepared. While a pre-mixed canned version offers a convenient, low-calorie option at around 100 calories, a homemade traditional version can easily double that due to sugary sodas. For the best of both worlds—fresh flavor and low calories—opt for a 'skinny' version using fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling water. This allows you to control the ingredients and sweetness, resulting in a delicious and guilt-free cocktail. By making smart ingredient swaps, you can enjoy this refreshing classic without compromising your health goals. For more nutritional information on food and drink ingredients, you can reference the USDA's FoodData Central. This resource provides a wealth of data for making informed dietary choices.

Authoritative Link: USDA FoodData Central: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, yes, a Paloma can be lower in calories than a classic Margarita. While a traditional Margarita can have 200-300+ calories due to added sweeteners and liqueurs, a simple Paloma with fresh juice and sparkling water is typically closer to 150 calories or less.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Paloma Fresca' can imply a version made with fresh juice and sparkling water rather than a pre-made sugary soda. This 'fresca' style is almost always the lower-calorie option.

Yes, a delicious non-alcoholic Paloma can be made by simply omitting the tequila and increasing the fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling water. You can also add a splash of lime juice for extra zest.

To reduce calories, use fresh grapefruit juice instead of sugary soda, and replace any simple syrup with a zero-calorie sweetener or a very small amount of agave nectar. Increasing the amount of sparkling water will also help dilute the calories.

For a lower-calorie option, choose a diet or zero-calorie grapefruit soda like Diet Squirt, or opt for a grapefruit-flavored sparkling water like Fresca or Bubly. For a homemade version, fresh juice and mineral water are the best options.

Canned Palomas, like those from Fresca, can be a good option for weight management as they offer a convenient and reliably low-calorie cocktail at 100 calories per can. However, homemade versions allow for more control over ingredients and freshness.

A salt rim adds a negligible amount of calories. The primary effect is on the sodium content and the flavor profile, which contrasts with the drink's citrus notes.