Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 1 Pinch(s) Salt
- Grapefruit Soda
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour the tequila and lime juice into a highball glass.
Add Salt:
- Add a pinch of salt directly into the glass.
Add Ice:
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Top Off:
- Top with grapefruit soda.
Stir and Garnish:
- Stir gently and garnish with a grapefruit wheel.
Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Paloma is a modern classic hailing from Mexico. Its exact origins are a bit hazy, but it gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century, cementing its place as a staple south of the border.
It sits comfortably in the highball family, a close cousin to the Ranch Water or even a Gin and Tonic if you squint. What sets it apart is the vibrant grapefruit soda and the unmistakable kick of agave, making it distinct from its lime-centric relatives.
You will find Palomas everywhere from bustling taquerias to upscale cocktail bars. It is a go-to for casual backyard gatherings, beach days, or whenever you need a genuinely refreshing tequila drink.
What it tastes like
Expect a punch of zesty grapefruit upfront, balanced by the earthy, peppery notes of tequila. The lime adds a sharp tang, cutting through the sweetness of the soda, while a pinch of salt brightens the whole affair. It is effervescent and incredibly refreshing.
A standard Paloma with 2 oz of tequila will land around 15-18% ABV, making it roughly three times stronger than a typical light beer. It is a full-strength drink, so pace yourself. It goes down easy.
The technique
This is a build-in-glass operation. Grab a highball, rim it with salt if you are feeling fancy. Add tequila, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Fill with ice, top with grapefruit soda, and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lime wedge or grapefruit slice.
The secret is fresh, quality grapefruit soda. Skip the diet stuff or anything too sweet and syrupy. Jarritos or Squirt are decent, but a craft grapefruit soda makes all the difference.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Tequila
- Use
- Blanco (silver) tequila is traditional and lets the agave shine. A good reposado can add a subtle oaky smoothness without overpowering the grapefruit.
- Skip
- Añejo tequilas are too complex and expensive for a highball. Gold tequilas are often mixto (not 100% agave) and will give you a headache.
- Why
- Tequila is the backbone here. Its distinctive agave character provides the depth needed to stand up to the bright, tart grapefruit and bubbly soda.
Grapefruit Soda
- Use
- A crisp, not-too-sweet grapefruit soda is crucial. Jarritos Toronja and Squirt are widely available. Fever-Tree or Q Mixers are excellent premium choices.
- Skip
- Overly sweet or diet grapefruit sodas will throw off the balance. Avoid anything with artificial sweeteners or too much corn syrup.
- Why
- The soda provides the primary grapefruit flavor, sweetness, and effervescence. Its quality directly impacts the drink's freshness and overall enjoyment.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Spicy Paloma
- A fiery twist
- Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glass before building for a kick of heat.
Mezcal Paloma
- Smoky agave cousin
- Substitute half or all of the tequila with mezcal for a distinct smoky character that pairs surprisingly well with grapefruit.
Paloma Fresca
- Fresh grapefruit juice
- For a less sweet, more tart drink, use fresh grapefruit juice instead of soda and top with club soda or sparkling water.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Combine fresh grapefruit juice (2 oz), simple syrup (0.5 oz), and top with club soda for a similar effect.
Bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, but use slightly less as it is often more concentrated. Fresh is always better.
While it will not be a Paloma, gin or even a light rum can be substituted with grapefruit soda for a different but refreshing highball.
Any tall drinking glass will do. A pint glass or even a large rocks glass will work just fine for serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Paloma?
A Paloma typically contains tequila, fresh lime juice, grapefruit soda, and often a pinch of salt.
Is a Paloma sweet?
It can be, depending on the soda used. A well-made Paloma should be balanced between sweet, tart, and a hint of bitterness from the grapefruit.
What kind of tequila should I use for a Paloma?
Blanco (silver) tequila is traditional and recommended for its clean agave flavor. Reposado can also be used for a slightly smoother, richer drink.
Why is it called Paloma?
Paloma means "dove" in Spanish. The exact reason for the drink's name is not definitively known, but it is a classic Mexican cocktail name.
Is a Paloma stronger than a Margarita?
Generally, yes. Palomas often use a higher ratio of tequila to mixers compared to many standard Margarita recipes, making them a more potent drink.
Can I make a Paloma without soda?
Yes, for a Paloma Fresca, use fresh grapefruit juice (about 2-3 oz) and top with club soda or sparkling water instead of grapefruit soda.
Do I need salt on the rim?
Salt on the rim is optional but highly recommended. It enhances the grapefruit and tequila flavors, adding a savory counterpoint to the tartness.
What's the best grapefruit soda for a Paloma?
Jarritos Toronja and Squirt are common choices. For a premium experience, look for Fever-Tree Pink Grapefruit Soda or Q Mixers Grapefruit Soda.
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