We’re showing you how to make a Paloma cocktail! A Paloma is a traditional drink in Mexico with the main ingredients being grapefruit and of course, tequila!
Although it’s not exactly known when the Paloma was created, it’s speculated that refreshing summery drink is from the 1800’s! It’s so easy to make and refreshing. I love shaking it with ice so it’s gold and frothy when served.
There are conflicting stories of this pretty pink cocktail’s origin but it was falsely claimed to be first published in 1953 in the “Popular Cocktails of The Rio Grande” pamphlet. It turns out that this pamphlet doesn’t even exist!
Another rumor has it that the Paloma drink recipe originally came from a bartender who named the drink after his true love.
Whatever its origin, the Paloma drink is the most popular tequila drink in Mexico. Move over margarita!
How to Make a Paloma
There are a few ways to make a classic Paloma recipe, but our favorite way is using a little grapefruit soda and grapefruit juice, along with lime and tequila.
We couldn’t resist adding a little charm, so we garnished our Paloma with a flower!
Paloma Cocktail History
There is no definite evidence of how this sweet, sour, salty, bitter drink came to be, but legend has it that it was created by the owner of La Capilla in Tequila, Mexico. La Capilla is the oldest bar in town and famous for a couple of other cocktails as well.
Why is it Called Paloma?
While there is no exact evidence of where the name came from, some people believe its name came from a popular folk song, La Paloma, composed in the 1860s in Mexico.
What is the Best Tequila for a Paloma?
The best tequila for a Paloma depends on your taste. Some recommend using 100% agave and others recommend tequila blanco. Some suggestions include El Jimador Tequila, Tequila Blanco Corralejo, Chamucos Blanco Tequila, and Milagro Silver.
What Soda Mixes with Tequila?
If you’re making a Paloma, grapefruit soda mixes well with the tequila. For other cocktails, seltzer or club soda make a nice base for tequila. You can even try a lemon-lime soda for a drink modeled after rum and coke.
What’s in a Paloma Cocktail?
When looking for a Paloma recipe, you may come across many variations. A typical Paloma consists of tequila, grapefruit soda, grapefruit juice, and fresh-squeezed lime.
A more sophisticated recipe, that takes some planning ahead, involves using the grapefruit peel and burying it in sugar overnight.
Mix the sugar with grapefruit juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, water, and salt and stir or shake until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the peel and voila, you have a salted grapefruit cordial.
When you are ready to mix up your cocktail, add tequila, lime, and Campari to one ounce of the cordial mixture.
You can also add a dash of mezcal in a Paloma to give it a smoky flavor.
Also, rim the glass with a little sugar or salt if you prefer! Here’s a guide to rimming a cocktail glass.
More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love
- A Simple Havana Cocktail
- A Refreshing Fig Sidecar
- Lingonberry Aperol Spritz
- Sparkling Grapefruit Cocktail
Looking for other recipes for entertaining or holidays? Bookmark our site for our fabulous tips on the art of entertaining. Become the host or hostess you always wanted to be.
Also, let us know if you make this Palomo recipe! We would love to know your thoughts, so please rate it and leave a comment below!
How to Make a Paloma Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce grapefruit juice, fresh-squeezed
- 1 wedge lime juice
- 3 ounces grapefruit soda, top off with grapefruit soda, around 3 ounces
Instructions
- Add the tequila, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and juice of one lime wedge in a glass.
- Fill with ice to the top and then top off with sparkling grapefruit soda.
Rachael Yerkes says
This is the perfect refreshing drink. Pretty and tasty too!
Krissy Allori says
Such a simple, easy and refreshing cocktail. I love it! Sharing it at my next girls night too.
Suzy says
Absolutely love how simple and easy this is! The ingredients are perfect!