Paloma Cocktail
The Spicy-Sweet Cocktail adds a less sour bite to any Mexican meal.
The simple Paloma is the older, cooler big sister of the margarita.
When the average American thinks of Mexican cocktails, the margarita is likely the first drink to come to mind. But hiding in the margarita’s icy shadow is the real treasured drink of Mexico, La Paloma. Traditionally, the Paloma is served on the rocks and prepared by mixing tequila, fresh lime juice and grapefruit-flavored soda, like Jarritos. In the States, the drink is often made with Fresca or Squirt.
The history of the drink is obscure — no one knows for sure who invented the Paloma. Some credit the legendary Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of the beloved La Capilla bar in the aptly-named town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico. Since Corona is also ascribed to creating another soda-based tequila cocktail, the Batanga (Coca-Cola, tequila and lime juice), this story seems plausible.
Despite the popularity of the Paloma in Mexico, the States’ noted history of Americanizing Mexican food and drink, and the fact that the U.S. outranks Mexico in grapefruit production by a half-million tons each year, the cocktail has not enjoyed the same mainstream success north of the border that the margarita has. Many believe that grapefruit pairs better than lime with tequila, making the Paloma’s underrepresentation on bar menus in the States even more puzzling. Even though the Paloma has not reached the same status as the margarita, it is a very popular drink in grapefruit-abundant Texas.
Tales of the Cocktail
Read way more about it here:
In Praise of La Paloma, Mexico’s Preferred Tequila Drink
The Paloma is a favorite around here all summer, but it usually makes it’s first appearance around Cinco de Mayo! Check out the link below for the perfect party celebration with this drink as the base.
The jalapenos aren’t mandatory, but they add a cool spice to the drink! Try to find a nice fat jalapeno – it seems like the fatter they are, the milder they are, at least around here. TASTE THEM before serving them. Slice as thin as you can, and, cut them in half if they’re still too spicy. If they’re crazy mild, add two slices. Removing the seeds will likely tone the heat, leaving just a milder, fresh taste behind.
I’m an enormous fan of Casamigos Tequila, but I wouldn’t use a premium tequila in this drink – the flavor is overpowered by the grapefruit soda. A nice, middle-of-the-road tequila (like Hornitos) works best. If you want to avoid a headache in the morning, skip the Jose Cuervo Gold.
If you use Fresca, the Paloma is low-carb(ish)!
Paloma Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Tequila decent; I like Hornitos
- 6 ounces Grapefruit Soda Ideally Squirt or Fresca
- 1 each Jalapeno fresh, sliced thin
- 1 each Lime sliced thin
- pinch Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Pour Tequila over crushed ice in a highball glass or comparable one – wine goblets work well too.
- Fill glass with soda, float lime and a few slices of jalapeno on top. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt on top and serve.
CINCO DE MAYO
Party Sweetly! ♥
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