Paloma cocktail recipe

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Paloma is a Tequila-based cocktail, but it’s not just any ol’ Tequila drink. “It’s the number one Tequila-based cocktail coming out of Mexico,” shares Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

The Paloma is super simple to make and one of the most popular and delicious cocktails around. So, what does a Paloma taste like? Tequila and Grapefruit work so well together and, well, that’s what this drink is all about. 

“You get those delicious Agave notes coming through, the effervescence of the Grapefruit Juice, balanced off with a salty rim,” shares Rico.

How To Make a Paloma

What You’ll Need

• Paring Knife (for the Lemon)
• Citrus Press (or Citrus Elbow)
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Highball Glass
• Medium-size Plate (for the Kosher Salt)

How to Mix

1. Pour Kosher Salt onto a medium-size Plate.
2. Cut a Lime in half using a Paring Knife.
3. Rub the Lime Half around the Rim of a Highball Glass.
4. Dip the upside of your Lime-Coated Highball Glass onto the Plate filled with Kosher Salt.
5. Fill your Highball Glass with Ice Cubes.
6. Use a Jigger to measure and pour in Tequila.
7. Pour in Grapefruit Soda all the way to the top of the Glass.
8. Use the other Lime Half to cut a Lime Wheel and place it on the rim of your Glass for garnish.
9. Sip and enjoy!

The History of The Paloma

It’s believed the Paloma drink’s origin is Mexico City and that the drink came into existence in the 1950s when a specific popular brand of Grapefruit Soda was introduced to Mexico.

Some believe the drink’s name comes from the Spanish word for “dove”, while others say it comes from the Spanish word pomelo, which means “grapefruit”.

Tips for Making a Perfect Paloma

• Grapefruit Soda
  “In Mexico, they use a specific brand of Grapefruit Soda that they drink so much of, that none of that Grapefruit Soda ever leaves Mexico. It doesn’t matter what Grapefruit you use. If you want to use Fresh Grapefruit and mix it with Soda Water, do that,” says Rico. For this recipe, Rico recommends using bottled Grapefruit Soda.
• Kosher Salt
  While you can rim the Glass with any Fine Grain Salt, we highly recommend using Kosher Salt. You’ll achieve the perfect clump-free look and get the perfect amount of salt for the perfect cocktail. Pink Himalayan salt is another good option.

Variations of a Paloma

• The Swedish Paloma
  A fantastic variation of the Paloma that not only uses Absolut Grapefruit (Grapefruit-Flavored Vodka) instead of Tequila but mixes Fresh Ruby Red Grapefruit together with Soda Water instead of Grapefruit Soda. Crisp and clean like a Vodka Tonic, the Swedish Paloma is a must for the summer and somehow tastes as pink as it looks. What…a….drink! Discover how to make The Swedish Paloma.
  
  
• Without Lime Juice
  While the traditional Paloma includes Fresh Lime Juice, we prefer to let the Grapefruit Soda take center stage and omit the Lime Juice altogether. The Lime Wheel garnish adds just the right touch of Lime.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Paloma

We recommend serving a Paloma in a Highball Glass filled to the top with Ice Cubes. 

Some people choose a Grapefruit Wedge to garnish their Palomas, others use a Lime Wheel or Lime Wedge. Rico prefers to garnish his Paloma with a Lime Wheel to add some color and “Give it just that little bit of 80s flair”. You decide!