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
- Pour 50 ml 100% agave tequila into a Highball glass.
- Squeeze 5 ml fresh lime juice into the glass.
- Add a pinch of salt to the glass.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour 100 ml of pink grapefruit soda over the ice.
- Stir the mixture gently.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips for how to make the perfect Paloma
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Add the grapefruit juice, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt (if using) to a cocktail shaker. Shake well to combine.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Top it off with soda water.
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of fresh mint.
Enjoy your alcohol-free alternative to Paloma!
Paloma fun facts
- Paloma is a popular tequila-based cocktail that originated in Mexico.
- Despite being one of the most popular cocktails in Mexico, it is not as well-known worldwide as other tequila-based cocktails like margaritas.
- The word “Paloma” translates to “dove” in Spanish, and some believe the cocktail is named after a popular folk song with the same name.
- 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.
- 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.