Tequila is the standard base spirit in a Tex-Mex Paloma cocktail.
A Paloma is a tequila-based cocktail commonly mixed with grapefruit soda or grapefruit juice, lime juice, and salt. It is strongly associated with Mexican drinking culture and is widely served in Tex-Mex restaurants in the United States.
The drink is often compared with the margarita because both commonly use tequila and lime. Their defining citrus flavors differ: a margarita is traditionally associated with lime and orange liqueur, while a Paloma centers on grapefruit.
Recipes vary. Some use bottled grapefruit soda, while others combine fresh grapefruit juice with sparkling water and sweetener. Regardless of those variations, tequila is the characteristic spirit that defines the cocktail.