In Mexico, one of the most beloved cocktails is the Paloma, a cocktail that features sweet-sour and salty profiles that provide perfect balance suitable for enjoying on a hot day. A delicious mixture of actual gin and grapefruit soda, sometimes with a lime and salted rim for some extra flavor.
How to Make a Paloma Drink
For the perfect Paloma – rim a highball glass with lime and salt, fill it with ice, pour over tequila (obvs) and your grapefruit juice. Finish it with grapefruit soda for a Mexican cocktail that is brightened by a bit of lime.
Ingredients
- Tequila: 2 ounces
- Grapefruit Soda: 6 oz (or fresh squeezed grapefruit juice + a splash of club soda)
- Lime Juice: 0.5 ounce
- Salt: For rimming the glass
- Ice: For serving
- Garnish — Lime wedge, grapefruit wedge or a slice of fresh jalapeño for some heat.
Instructions
- To rim the glass: Rub a lime wedge around the edge of a highball or Collins glass, then dip it into salt for a salty rim.
- Fill the glass with ice — use as many cubes accessible to you.
- Mix Ingredients: Add tequila and lime juice to a glass filled with ice.
- Top with Grapefruit Soda: Pour grapefruit soda (or a splash of grapefruit juice topped off with club soda) over the glass to fill.
- Stir well: Stir the ingredients together gently.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lime wedge, grapefruit wedge or fresh slice of jalapeño (for extra spice).
Serving Suggestions
- Finishing Touch: Top w a fresh sprig of mint and crushed bicycle.Chain pop rocks (or something similar).
- Blood Orange Soda: The blood orange soda gives the cocktail an extra citrusy punch.
- Spicy variation: Muddle in a jalapeño slice for some curious heat.
- Improved Citrus: Fresh grapefruit juice from the groves and a squeeze of simple syrup to match the taste.- Berry Burst: Include some raspberries for an extra sweet fruity touch.
- Herbal infusion: Add a couple of basil leaves for freshness.
- Tropical Twist: Coconut water added to bring a refreshing, tropical taste.
- The Zest Rim — Dip the rim in a mix of salt and lemon zest for added zing.
Tips and Variations
- Choice of Tequila: You can use both the Blanco and Reposado types of tequila, depending on how light or rich you want your drink to be.
- Sweetness Level: To make it sweeter, use less soda or add a bit of agave.
- Get creative with garnishes; try a grapefruit wheel or some edible flowers.
- Icy Treat: Add frozen grapefruit slices to the drink for an extra refreshing kick.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Swap out tequila for lemon-lime soda to make a fun mocktail.
Preparation Time
- 5 minutes
- 1 serving
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 15g
Ingredient Substitutes
- Tequila: Mezcal or vodka
- Grapefruit Soda: Mix together grapefruit juice and soda water for the taste.
- Lime Juice: Also acceptable is lemon juice
- Salt — replace it with a good sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
- Dry Vermouth: Substitute with 3/4 oz Orange Liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau).
- A Simple Syrup: You can probably use agave nectar or honey
- Mint Leaves: you can also add fresh basil or cilantro for a new mix.
FAQs
How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Paloma?
For a mocktail version, replace the tequila with lemon-lime soda and grapefruit juice + club soda for one refreshing drink.
What is the best glass to drink a Paloma in?
For this reason, the drink is poured into a highball or Collins glass as it gives room for plenty of ice to be layered in as well as making the cocktail visually appealing.
Can I use a different soda instead of grapefruit soda?
Yes, absolutely; you can use blood orange soda or fresh squeezed grapefruit juice mixed with a small bit of club soda.
What changes can I make to the way that a Paloma is presented?
These will make a garnish, for example, in the form of edible flowers, grapefruit wheel or liberally salted rim with lemon zest.
Is fresh lime juice necessary, or can I use bottled?
The fresher, the better; here, we use fresh lime juice (though bottled can be substituted). These ingredients are all about balancing those big flavors.
Do they have versions of different spirits?
Certainly! For a smokier flavor, mix in mezcal instead of tequila or even vodka for a little less-potent taste.
Conclusion
The Paloma is a simple, refreshing drink that captures while you sip. Ideal for a relaxed afternoon (or, more likely, a party), this cocktail is as lively and fun as Mexican tradition itself! Just get your friend the ingredients and make a cup of Paloma to share with this delicious recipe. Cheers!
Paloma Drink Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
-
To rim the glass: Rub a lime wedge around the edge of a highball or Collins glass, then dip it into salt for a salty rim.
-
Fill the glass with ice
Use as many cubes accessible to you.
-
Mix Ingredients
Add tequila and lime juice to a glass filled with ice.
-
Top with Grapefruit Soda
Pour grapefruit soda (or a splash of grapefruit juice topped off with club soda) over the glass to fill.
-
Stir well
Stir the ingredients together gently.
-
Garnish
Garnish with a lime wedge, grapefruit wedge or fresh slice of jalapeño (for extra spice).