Classic Paloma Cocktail

By Justin SullivanPublished: Apr 21, 2021

1 Rating

preview for The Paloma Is The Margarita's Grown Up Cousin

Though the margarita has become a staple of American bars, the margarita's pink-hued cousin, the Paloma, is heralded by many in Mexico as the better cocktail. It is beloved not just for its bittersweet, citrusy grapefruit flavor but also for its simplicity. Not counting ice, all you need is 4 ingredients: tequila, lime juice, salt and grapefruit soda. It's endlessly drinkable and the perfect addition to a spicy dish or a day at the beach. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when making this delicious Mexican classic:

What type of soda should I use?

Any grapefruit soda is perfect but if you can find it, but for a more traditional version we recommend Squirt. The soda was introduced to the Mexican market in the 1950's and is believed by many to be the original soda used in this cocktail.

What if I can't find grapefruit soda?

You can easily sub in equal parts grapefruit juice and club soda. If you're missing some of the sweetness, add a couple bar spoons (about 2 teaspoons) of simple syrup.

Why a pinch of salt?

While it already has a salted rim, having that extra bit of salt in the drink itself helps to brighten the flavor of the grapefruit and lime.

Tried making this classic? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Yields:: 1
Prep Time:: 5 mins
Total Time:: 5 mins

Ingredients

2 oz.
tequila
1/2
lime, plus a wheel for garnish
Grapefruit soda
Kosher salt

Directions

1. Step 1Pour salt into a small plate. Rim a Collins glass with lime then roll in salt, turning to coat.
2. Step 2Fill glass with ice. Add tequila, juice of the lime, and a pinch of salt into the glass. Top with grapefruit soda and stir slightly with a bar spoon.
3. Step 3Garnish with a lime wheel before serving.

Amanda Gryphon

This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Can’t get enough Delish? Subscribe to our new quarterly magazine!

Delish

Justin Sullivan

Assistant Food Editor

Justin Sullivan is the Assistant Food Editor for Delish, where he helps test, develop, and (of course) taste recipes like one-pot meals, easy desserts, and everything in between. He has worked in professional kitchens across New York, but his favorite role will always be as matzoh ball sous chef to his grandma. He loves diners and being from New Jersey, and when he’s not prepping and testing hundreds of Delish recipes, Justin travels the globe as the world’s foremost chicken finger critic.