Paloma Cocktail

A light and effervescent drink that’s excellent for warm days or anytime you want something refreshing and zesty is the Paloma. The zesty tastes of grapefruit and lime are paired with the fizz of soda and a hint of tequila in this traditional Mexican beverage.

Tasting Notes

The Paloma is known for its bright and zesty profile, with the tartness of grapefruit complementing the crispness of the soda. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and complexity, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-sip cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz blanco tequila
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz grapefruit soda
• 1 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Grapefruit wedge and salt (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Kitchen Equipment

• Shaker
• Jigger or measuring tools
• Highball glass
• Citrus juicer
• Ice maker or ice tray
• Cutting board and knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass:
   • Rim the highball glass with salt. Run a grapefruit wedge around the rim, then dip it into salt on a plate to coat the edges.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In the shaker, combine the blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake it Up:
   • Add ice to the shaker and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill the mixture.
4. Strain into Glass:
   • Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with Soda:
   • Top the cocktail with grapefruit soda, leaving a bit of room at the top.
6. Garnish:
   • Garnish the cocktail with a grapefruit wedge on the rim of the glass.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Give it a gentle stir with a straw or spoon, then sip and enjoy the refreshing taste of the Paloma!

Pro Tips

• For a less sweet Paloma, reduce the amount of simple syrup or omit it altogether.
• Experiment with different grapefruit sodas to find one that suits your taste preferences.
• To enhance the presentation, use a colorful straw or garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Variations

• Spicy Paloma: Add a dash of hot sauce or muddled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Ruby Red Paloma: Use ruby red grapefruit juice instead of soda for a richer flavor.
• Tequila Choice: Try reposado or añejo tequila for a different depth of flavor.

FAQs