Paloma

Paloma is a tequila-based cocktail that is a popular and refreshing drink in Mexico. It is made with grapefruit soda, lime juice, and salt.

Paloma recipe

  • 50 ml 100% agave tequila
  • 5 ml fresh lime juice
  • pinch of salt
  • 100 ml pink grapefruit soda

Pour the tequila into a highball glass, squeeze the lime juice. Add ice and salt, fill up pink grapefruit soda. Stir gently.

Directions for how to make the Paloma

  1. Pour 50 ml 100% agave tequila into a Highball glass.
  2. Squeeze 5 ml fresh lime juice into the glass.
  3. Add a pinch of salt to the glass.
  4. Fill the glass with ice.
  5. Pour 100 ml of pink grapefruit soda over the ice.
  6. Stir the mixture gently.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for how to make the perfect Paloma

  • Use fresh grapefruit juice: It’s best to use fresh grapefruit juice, as opposed to bottled or canned juice, for a more vibrant and natural flavor.

  • Rim the glass with salt: The traditional Paloma is served in a glass rimmed with salt. To do this, moisten the rim of the glass with a lime wedge and dip it into a plate of sea salt.

  • Choose the right tequila: Look for a tequila that is 100% agave, as this will ensure a smoother and more flavorful drink. Blanco tequila is traditional for Palomas, but reposado or añejo tequila can add extra depth of flavor.

  • Adjust sweetness to taste: Paloma recipes often call for a sweetener like simple syrup or agave nectar. Adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste, depending on how tart or sweet you like your drinks.

  • Use carbonated water or club soda: Palomas are typically topped off with carbonated water or club soda. Use a good quality sparkling water to add effervescence and balance out the flavors.

Alcohol-free alternative to the Paloma

The alcohol-free alternative to Paloma is the Virgin Paloma.

The Virgin Paloma is a refreshing, citrusy drink made with grapefruit and lime juice and topped off with some soda water. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 4-5 oz soda water
  • Crushed ice
  • Salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Add the grapefruit juice, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt (if using) to a cocktail shaker. Shake well to combine.
  2. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice.
  3. Top it off with soda water.
  4. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of fresh mint.

Enjoy your alcohol-free alternative to Paloma!

Paloma fun facts

  1. Paloma is a popular tequila-based cocktail that originated in Mexico.
  2. Despite being one of the most popular cocktails in Mexico, it is not as well-known worldwide as other tequila-based cocktails like margaritas.
  3. The word “Paloma” translates to “dove” in Spanish, and some believe the cocktail is named after a popular folk song with the same name.
  4. The most common recipe for Paloma consists of tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice, but there are many variations that include different ingredients like fresh grapefruit juice or agave nectar.
  5. Paloma is often served in a tall glass over ice and garnished with a slice of grapefruit or a sprig of fresh mint for added flavor and color.