The Paloma cocktail is a Mexican classic. Some believe the Paloma was first created by Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner and bartender at La Capilla, in Tequila, Mexico. It’s possible this beloved drink dates back to the 1950s. What makes the Paloma so popular? It’s a highball drink that’s easy to make and refreshing. With just a few fresh ingredients you’ll have the perfect Paloma cocktail recipe.
The Paloma is a bit like a Salty Dog except we’re switching out the vodka for tequila, adding a little sweetener, and topping the drink with a grapefruit soda. With a little extra carbonation, this drink is perfect to sip on!
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What You’ll Need
Silver Tequila
Pink Grapefruit (1 large grapefruit is enough for 2 drinks)
Lime (1 lime will make about 2 drinks)
Agave Nectar
Grapefruit Soda (you can use Squirt, Jarritos, or even San Pellegrino)
Kosher Salt or Coarse Sea Salt (optional)
Paring Knife
Cutting Board
Citrus Squeezer
Small Mesh Strainer
Cocktail Shaker & Strainer
Jigger
Silver Tequila Recommendations
Herradura Silver
El Jimador Blanco
Don Julio Blanco
My go-to tequila for most tequila-based drinks is Herradura Silver if I’m making a few at home. It’s moderately priced so it doesn’t break the bank. However, if I’m making drinks for a larger amount of people it’s more economical to go with El Jimador Blanco. El Jimador is a great-tasting tequila for its price range. And if I want to splurge I go with Don Julio Blanco.
Agave Nectar Recommendations
My favorite agave nectars to use are Agave in the Raw Organic Agave and Madhava Organic Amber Agave. Madhava also has a “light” agave nectar. Wholesome Organic Blue Agave is also amazing. It’s thicker than the other two I mentioned and has a great taste.
Paloma Cocktail Recipe
2 ounces – Silver Tequila
2 ounce – Fresh-squeezed Pink Grapefruit
1/2 once – Fresh-squeezed Lime
1/4 ounce – Agave Syrup
1 ounce – Grapefruit Soda (top with)
Kosher Salt or Coarse Sea Salt (optional)
Grapefruit or lime garnish (optional)
How to Make A Paloma
To make your Paloma begin by juicing your grapefruit and lime. I suggest using a citrus juicer or citrus squeezer and straining the pulp with a small mesh strainer. I typically use a juicer if I’m juicing more than a few grapefruits. A citrus squeezer is perfect for limes.
OPTIONAL
Once your grapefruit and lime juices are ready, set them aside and salt the rim of your glass with salt. Use a lime wedge to rub the lime juice around the edge of the glass. Pour some kosher salt on a small plate then rub the top of the glass against the salt so that it sticks.
Place your glass aside and start assembling your cocktail. Measure out your silver tequila and pour it into your cocktail shaker. Then add the grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar. Last, add ice so that there’s just a little more ice than liquid.
Give your cocktail a quick shake for about 5 seconds. Use your strainer to pour the liquid into your glass. Add fresh ice and top with about an ounce of grapefruit soda. You can also garnish it with a quarter wheel of grapefruit or a lime wheel.
Enjoy your Paloma! And if you want more “Cocktails Around the World” check out my other recipes.
If you tried this Paloma recipe leave a comment below and share a pic on Instagram with the hashtag #lewilddrinks.
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