The Paloma is Mexico’s most popular co*cktail 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 co*cktail.
In Mexico, the classic co*cktail 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 co*cktail was created in the 1950s by Don Javier Delgado Corona, who owned a bar in Jalisco, Mexico. The co*cktail’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 co*cktail. 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail, making it taste even better. We all know how well tequila and salt go together.
If you’re looking for a sweeter co*cktail, you can replace the grapefruit soda with grapefruit-flavoured syrup. This will make the co*cktail sweeter and less tangy.
Variations to the Paloma co*cktail
For those who want to try different ways of making a Paloma, there are plenty of variations to choose from.
One popular variation is the spicy Paloma, which includes jalapeño slices and a dash of salt for an added kick. You can also include a sprinkle of chilli in the salt for the salt rim.
Another popular variation is the Mezcal Paloma, which uses smoky-flavoured Mezcal instead of tequila.
If you prefer to use a different type of tequila, reposado tequila is a great choice for a Paloma and is my favourite. if you struggle with tequila drinks because they bring back too many dreadful memories of drunken student days and debauchery, this might just be the alternative.
It’s delightfully refreshing and sophisticated, complimenting spicy Mexican food perfectly.
I fell in love with this co*cktail at my favourite Cape Town Mexican restaurant El Burro.
Ingredients for a Paloma co*cktail
If you are making a Paloma with fresh grapefruit juice, these are the ingredients you will need
Tequila – You can use blanco tequila which is more classic but I prefer to use a reposado which has been aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels. This gives the drink a slightly smoky flavour which is totally delicious. Either way, use good tequila in this recipe.
Fresh grapefruit juice – Since I am making a recipe using fresh pink grapefruit juice I like to juice them just before making the drink.
Lime juice – a Paloma contains a little fresh lime juice which gives it an amazing vibrancy. You can add however much you like.
Club soda – top up your Paloma co*cktail with club soda to reach the rim. This gives the drink an amazing fizzy texture as well as tempers the sweetness of the drink.
Sugar syrup – a shot of sugar syrup or agave nectar can be used to sweeten the Paloma.
Garnish – The glass is rimmed with salt, and a lime wedge and grapefruit wedge are added as a garnish.
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 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 co*cktail recipe that you can make at home. The ingredients are to make 1 co*cktail, 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.
A few of my other tequila co*cktail recipes (and favourite co*cktails)
A frozen Paloma co*cktail
How to make a pomegranate mojito (video)
Mixed berry margarita with jalapeno
Tigers milk co*cktail
A shot in South Africa = 25ml
Tequila, it makes you happy. Enjoy!
The perfect paloma co*cktail
A recipe for the perfect Paloma co*cktail with pink grapefruit juice, lime and tequila.
Print Recipe
Prep Time:10 minutes mins
Total Time:10 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 shots 38ml/1.25 oz of reposado tequila (or any good quality Blanco) – or make it a double with 2 shots /50ml / 2 oz
- juice of approximately 1 ruby grapefruit strained (80ml)/2.5 oz
- 1/2 shot 12.5ml/0.5 oz of agave syrup or sugar syrup (make it as sweet as you would like)
- Freshly squeezed lime juice half a small lime or ¼ of a large lime
- Club soda to top up your glass as much as you like
- Grapefruit wedge and lime wedge for garnish
- Flaky sea salt such as Maldon or Kosher salt for the rim
Instructions
Rim the glass: 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 around to ensure the edges are coated.
Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Combine the tequila, sugar syrup or agave nectar, lime juice, and grapefruit juice in a jug or co*cktail shaker.
Stir well and pour this into the glass with ice. If you are only making one drink you can add all the ingredients directly into the glass with ice.
Top the glass with club soda.
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a lime slice.
Notes
If you are wanting to reduce your sugar intake, simply leave the sugar out. It's less sweet but still delicious.
if you don't have agave nectar or sugar syrup but want to add sweetness, add sugar to the juice and stir to dissolve before mixing your Paloma
Servings: 1 drink
Author: Sam Linsell
