The Paloma is Mexico’s most popular cocktail and it also happens to be mine. As a huge fan of tequila and pink grapefruit juice, this is the perfect drink for me. With just enough sweetness and a dash of bitterness, I share my recipe for the perfect Paloma cocktail.
In Mexico, the classic cocktail is made with grapefruit soda and tequila. I prefer to make it with fresh grapefruit juice and club soda since we don’t have many pink grapefruit soda brands here in South Africa.
The Paloma cocktail was created in the 1950s by Don Javier Delgado Corona, who owned a bar in Jalisco, Mexico. The cocktail’s name translates to “the dove” in Spanish. It’s said to be named after La Paloma, a popular folk song in Mexico.
The Paloma is a popular drink globally, and there are many variations of this delicious cocktail. It can be made individually by the glass or if you are making more, in a jug. I prefer to pre-mix the tequila, sugar syrup and juice before adding it to the glass with ice and then finally topped up with soda.
This Paloma cocktail recipe is the perfect mix of sweet and tangy. The fresh grapefruit juice gives the drink a refreshing grapefruit flavour, while the tequila adds a little kick. The salt on the rim brings out the flavours in the cocktail, making it taste even better. We all know how well tequila and salt go together.
If you’re looking for a sweeter cocktail, you can replace the grapefruit soda with grapefruit-flavoured syrup. This will make the cocktail sweeter and less tangy.
The classic Mexican Paloma is much simpler: 2 ounces tequila, (recommended: reposado; and 1 to 3 ounces) 1 bottle Squirt grapefruit soda There’s nothing complicated about the paloma. At its core, it’s just tequila and Squirt [grapefruit soda]. That’s it.
How to salt the rim of a glass for a Paloma
Adding a salted rim to the glass gives the Paloma a delicious salty flavour as you sip plus it looks very professional. I like to use flaky sea salt such as Maldon. Do not use fine sea salt as this will be too salty.
Take a lime wedge and rub it along the rim of your glass. On a small plate, sprinkle sea salt flakes (or kosher salt) and dip the glass into the salt. Roll. It is around to ensure the edges are well coated.
Here’s my best Paloma cocktail recipe that you can make at home. The ingredients are to make 1 cocktail, but scale up and pre-mix the tequila, grapefruit and sugar syrup to make more than one. You can adapt the quantities as you like them.
How to make a simple sugar syrup
To make a simple sugar syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely, then let it simmer for a few minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool before transferring it to a clean container.
Simple sugar syrup can be infused with herbs, spices, or extracts to create interesting flavours for drinks or desserts.
How to Make a Paloma Cocktail
FAQ
What’s the difference between a Margarita and a paloma?
What does a La paloma have in it?
What kind of tequila is used for paloma?
What’s in a Paloma?
Some fancy renditions call for fresh grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and club soda, but the classic (and easiest!) version is made with just blanco tequila, fresh lime, and a chilled bottle of grapefruit soda. You can add a pinch of salt to the ice, or rim the glass.
What do you need to make a Paloma cocktail?
Palomas are a simple drink and you don’t need much to make this delicious cocktail! Here’s what you’ll need: Good quality tequila – This drink can also be made with mezcal if you prefer. Fresh grapefruit juice – if grapefruits are not in season, choose a high quality grapefruit juice. Fresh lime – nothing best the flavor of fresh lime juice!
How do you make a Paloma cocktail in Mexico?
How to make the Best Paloma Recipe! The most popular cocktail in Mexico. This is the classic recipe: reposado tequila, freshly squeezed lime and grapefruit juice and the only way to make Palomas—with Squirt. The ultimate refreshing summer cocktail. Rim the glass. Pour the salt onto a small plate. Rub the lime wedge around the edge of a pint glass.
How do you make Palomas for multiple people?
If you want to make Palomas for multiple people, see right below for tips on making a pitcher. Start by filling up a cocktail glass with crushed ice. All the way to the top! Then add the tequila, grapefruit juice and Squirt. Add one small squeeze of lime juice from one wedge. Stir well with a stirrer and garnish with a lime or grapefruit wedge.