The Paloma Cocktail

The Paloma CocktailThe Paloma Mexico’s other favorite tequila cocktail. Rose colored and bittersweet, this grapefruit and tequila highball gets a fizzy finish with a splash of grapefruit soda. It is the perfect accompaniment to Mexican food or simple chips and guac.

Using fresh fruit juice makes all the difference in a Paloma. Technically, all you need is grapefruit soda and tequila, but fresh, citrus changes everything. We are posting two recipes, the first is more complex in both ingredients and flavor, and the second can potentially be made from staples you have on hand. Even if all you have is grapefruit La Croix, go for it—and add some simple syrup to taste.

And finally, save the aged tequila for sipping. The Paloma is best mixed with blanco or silver tequila.

The Paloma Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients
1 tablespoon kosher salt (for the rim)
1/4 cup ice
2 ounces 100% agave blanco or silver tequila
2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (about 1/2 grapefruit)
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
4 ounces grapefruit soda such as Fresca or Mexican soda
Grapefruit or lime wedge for garnish

Directions
If you would enjoy a salt rim, pour the kosher salt into a small dish. Moisten the rim of a tall glass with a grapefruit or lime wedge. Invert the glass into the salt, turning it as needed, to coat the rim.

Fill the glass with ice. Pour in the tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice, and stir to combine. Top with the grapefruit soda, stir, and garnish with the grapefruit or lime wedge.

Pantry Paloma Recipe
Yields one cocktail

This recipe is simplified and adapted to ingredients that you just might find in your pantry. You can coat the rim of the glass with kosher salt if you wish.

Ingredients
Ice
1 ounce blanco or silver tequila
1 teaspoon lime juice
large pinch salt
6 ounces grapefruit soda such as Fresca or Mexican soda
Grapefruit or lime wedge for garnish

Directions
Fill the glass with ice. Pour in the tequila, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine. Top with the grapefruit soda, stir, and garnish with the grapefruit or lime wedge.

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