PALOMA COCKTAIL RECIPE
Say hello to the Paloma, a zesty cocktail from Mexico. Known as Mexico's most beloved cocktail, this delightful concoction outpaces even the famous Margarita in local popularity.
Ingredients
- 2 Ounces Blanco Tequila
- 4 Ounces Grapefruit Soda
- ½ Ounce Lime Juice
- Salt for rimming (optional)
- 1 Grapefruit Wedge (garnish)
Method
- Rim your serving glass with salt (optional).
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add the Tequila, Grapefruit Soda, and Lime Juice into the glass.
- Stir for 20-30 seconds to mix and chill the drink.
- Garnish with a Grapefruit Wedge (optional).
- Enjoy!
Tips For Making A Paloma
There are lots of different ways to make this cocktail. Some people swap out the grapefruit soda for a 50/50 split of grapefruit juice and sparkling water, giving a fresher taste. It gives you a more sour, tart experience, which some love.
As always, fresh lime juice is far superior to preserved, so use it if you can!
If you have any, you could add a small amount of agave nectar, to complement the Blanco Tequila, and bring out more sweetness.
Play around with the quantities until you find the perfect mix for you.
Don't shake this drink, because the soda will fizz up while shaking and leave you with a flat drink.
Try substituting out the Tequila for a smoky Mezcal to change it up.
Paloma Cocktail Ingredients
A Paloma is a cocktail that blends three ingredients: Tequila, lime, and grapefruit soda. The Tequila brings an earthy depth, ideally, Blanco is used for its smoother flavor. The Grapefruit Soda, preferably a Mexican brand like Jarritos, provides a refreshing citrus zing.
Best Tequila For A Paloma
Blanco Tequila works best for a Paloma because of its clean, crisp flavors that perfectly complement the citrus notes. Casa Dragones Blanco, with its hints of citrus and floral notes, is my go-to choice.
Paloma Cocktail
While the Paloma’s exact origins are steeped in mystery, it’s widely accepted that the cocktail was born in Mexico. The cocktail's name, meaning 'dove' in Spanish, suggests a connection with La Paloma, a popular folk song from the 1860s. This has led some to theorize that the drink was named after the song.
Yet, who exactly created the Paloma remains a mystery. Some speculate that the cocktail was invented by a Mexican bartender who was a fan of "La Paloma" song. Others claim that it was created by the legendary Don Javier Delgado Corona, the owner of La Capilla in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, also known for creating another famous Tequila cocktail, the Batanga.
Despite the uncertain origin story, the Paloma quickly became a favorite in Mexico, even surpassing the Margarita in popularity. Its refreshing and balanced mix of tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime has won over many hearts, establishing it as a must-have cocktail in Mexican culture.
Today, the Paloma is an international phenomenon enjoyed in bars worldwide. Its popularity has even led to National Paloma Day, celebrated in the United States on May 22nd. Its simplicity, refreshing flavor, and the flexibility it offers for variations have all contributed to its enduring appeal, securing its place in the cocktail hall of fame.
FAQ's
What Does A Paloma Taste Like?
A Paloma balances sweetness, bitterness, and acidity. The tequila gives it an earthy backbone, the lime juice adds a tart kick, and the grapefruit soda brings a bitter-sweet citrus flavor.