How to Make a Classic Paloma – Mexico’s Best-Kept Cocktail Secret

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 2 oz (60 ml) tequila blanco

• ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice

• 2 oz (60 ml) grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed or high-quality bottled)

• 2 oz (60 ml) club soda (or to taste)

• ¼ oz (7 ml) simple syrup (optional, to taste)

• Pinch of salt (optional)

• Ice

For the Rim (optional):

• Salt, or a mix of salt and chili powder

• Lime wedge (for wetting the rim)

Garnish:

• Grapefruit wedge or lime wheel

Equipment Needed:

• Highball or Collins glass

• Cocktail shaker (optional, but great for mixing juices)

• Jigger or measuring tool

Instructions:

1. Optional – Rim the glass:

   • Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass.

   • Dip the rim in salt or a chili-salt mix for extra flair and flavor.

2. Build the drink:

   • Fill the glass with ice.

   • Add 2 oz tequila blanco and ½ oz fresh lime juice.

   • Add 2 oz grapefruit juice and ¼ oz simple syrup if desired (or skip if you like it tart).

   • Stir to combine.

3. Top with fizz:

   • Add 2 oz club soda (or more if using a larger glass) for effervescence.

   • Give it a gentle stir to blend.

4. Garnish & serve:

   • Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or lime wheel.

   • Serve with a straw or spoon for stirring and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Paloma:

• Use fresh grapefruit juice for the best flavor—pink or ruby red is perfect.

• For a more traditional Mexican Paloma, you can use grapefruit soda like Squirt or Jarritos instead of fresh juice and soda water.

• Prefer it spicier? Muddle in jalapeño slices for a kick.

• Salt in the drink (not just the rim) enhances the citrus and rounds out bitterness.