Paloma Recipe

Paloma recipe — The laid-back cousin who shows up to brunch in designer sunglasses and somehow looks effortless. Made with tequila. Originally from Mexico.

I'm that friend who speaks fluent Spanish, knows the best hole-in-the-wall taquerias, and never seems stressed about anything. While everyone else is overthinking their drink order, I'm here keeping it simple and sophisticated. I don't need to try hard to be the life of the party—I just am.

In Mexico, the Paloma outsells the Margarita by a massive margin and is considered the country's most popular cocktail. Most Mexicans drink it with Squirt soda, which has a unique grapefruit flavor profile different from American grapefruit sodas.

The Paloma's exact origins are murky, but it likely emerged in Mexico sometime in the mid-20th century as a simple, refreshing way to enjoy tequila. Unlike its flashier cousin the Margarita, the Paloma stayed true to its humble roots and became Mexico's everyday drinking cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz silver tequila (use 100% agave)
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz grapefruit soda (Jarritos or Squirt preferred)
• pinch salt (for rim)
• 1 lime wheel (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Run lime wheel around rim of highball glass and dip in salt.
2. Fill glass with ice, add tequila and lime juice.
3. Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently.
4. Garnish with lime wheel and serve immediately.

Category: cocktail | Difficulty: easy | Base spirit: tequila | ABV: 8.0-12.0%

Origin: Mexico