Description

Mix up a Paloma Cocktail! This refreshing grapefruit & tequila drink with a salty rim is bright, bubbly, and perfectly tangy.

Ingredients

The Core Ingredients (The Quick & Classic Method):

2 oz (60 ml) 100% Agave Tequila:
- Type: A Blanco (Silver) tequila is traditional and highly recommended. Its clean, crisp, peppery agave flavor cuts through the grapefruit beautifully without the oak influence of a Reposado.
4-5 oz (120-150 ml) Grapefruit Soda:
- Jarritos Toronja (Grapefruit) is the most authentic, classic choice. It’s not too sweet and has a true, natural grapefruit flavor.
- Fresca or Squirt are common and acceptable substitutes, though they are sweeter and more artificially flavored.
½ oz (15 ml) Fresh Lime Juice: This is essential for brightening the drink and adding a layer of acidity.
Garnish:
- 1 Lime Wedge
- A pinch of Kosher Salt or Tajín (a chili-lime salt) for the rim.

The “From-Scratch” Premium Ingredients:

2 oz (60 ml) Blanco Tequila
2 oz (60 ml) Fresh Red Grapefruit Juice: The juice from a fresh ruby red grapefruit is less bitter and has a beautiful color and sweetness.
½ oz (15 ml) Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz (15 ml) Agave Nectar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your grapefruit and your preference).
3 oz (90 ml) Club Soda or Seltzer Water for effervescence

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Glass (The Salt Rim)
Chill a highball glass or a Collins glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water. Pour a layer of kosher salt or Tajín onto a small plate. Take your lime wedge and run it around the outer rim of the glass. Invert the glass and roll the moistened rim in the salt or Tajín until it has a nice, even coating. Discard the ice water if used.

Step 2: Build the Drink in the Glass
Fill the prepared glass with fresh, high-quality ice cubes. Pour the 2 ounces of Blanco tequila directly over the ice.

Step 3: Add the Citrus
Squeeze the ½ ounce of fresh lime juice into the glass. If you are using the “from-scratch” method, also add the 2 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice and the ½ ounce of agave nectar (if using) at this point.

Step 4: The Effervescent Top-Up
If using the quick method, simply top the glass with your grapefruit soda (Jarritos, Fresca, etc.), leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
If using the from-scratch method, top the glass with 3 ounces of club soda or seltzer.

Step 5: The Integrative Stir
Use a long bar spoon or a straw to give the drink a very gentle lift-and-fold stir, just once or twice. The goal is to integrate the ingredients without knocking all the carbonation out of the soda. Over-stirring is the enemy of a bubbly cocktail.

Step 6: The Final Garnish
Squeeze the lime wedge you used for the rim over the drink and then drop it into the glass as a garnish. For an extra touch, add a thin wheel of grapefruit to the rim or float it on top.

Step 7: Serve Immediately
A Paloma is a drink of immediacy. Serve it right away, with a straw, while the bubbles are at their most vibrant and lively

Notes

Highball or Collins Glass
Jigger (for measurement)
Citrus Juicer or Reamer
Knife and Cutting Board
Bar Spoon (or a straw for stirring)

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Category: Drinks
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 200 kcal
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 5 mg
Carbohydrates: 15 g