The Red Zone Paloma is a high-octane, batch-made riff on Mexico’s most popular cocktail, designed specifically for Super Bowl LX. As the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks prepare for their epic rematch in Santa Clara, this pitcher-style recipe ensures you won't miss a single snap—or a second of Bad Bunny’s highly anticipated halftime show. While a traditional Paloma relies on grapefruit, the Red Zone introduces pomegranate to provide a deep, team-neutral red hue and a tart complexity. It’s a bright, effervescent crowd-pleaser that cuts through the richness of heavy game-day snacks like nachos and wings, keeping the "huge party" vibe going all night long.
Red Zone Paloma Ingredients (Batch for 8)
- 2 cups Blanco Tequila
- 1 cup Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 cup Pomegranate Juice
- 3 cups Grapefruit Soda (to top)
- Garnish: Tajín and Salt Rim, Lime Wheels
How to Make a Red Zone Paloma Pitcher
- In a large pitcher, combine the tequila, fresh lime juice, and pomegranate juice. Stir well to integrate the flavors.
- Rim your serving glasses with a mix of salt and Tajín. Pre-filling them with fresh ice will save time during the two-minute warning.
- Just before serving, top the pitcher with the chilled grapefruit soda and give it one very gentle stir to maintain the carbonation.
- Pour into the prepared glasses and garnish each with a lime wheel.
To prevent your pitcher from becoming watered down as the game goes into the fourth quarter, skip the ice in the pitcher itself. Instead, keep the batch chilled in the fridge and only add ice to the individual glasses. If you want to keep the pitcher out on the table, use large "ice spears" or even frozen pomegranate juice cubes to keep it cold without sacrificing the flavor profile.
Red Zone Riff
To give the batch a smoky "tailgate" feel that stands up to the February chill, swap out 1/2 cup of the tequila for a smoky Mezcal. The earthiness of the Mezcal pairs perfectly with the tart pomegranate and the spice of the Tajín rim.
