Paloma

The Paloma is a quintessential Mexican cocktail that is both incredibly simple and deeply refreshing. It combines the earthy notes of tequila with the tangy, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor of grapefruit soda, brightened with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Often served in a tall glass with a salt rim, it's a perfectly balanced drink that is less famous than the Margarita but beloved by those who know it.
Paloma

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Paloma is a classical cocktail, recognized for its simple composition and historical significance in its country of origin. It is also categorized as a Highball, as it is served in a tall glass over ice and topped with a carbonated mixer.

Serving

This drink is served cold in a tall Highball glass, typically with a salted rim. It is a moderately alcoholic drink with a refreshing character and a decent serving size.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Wet the rim of the glass with a citrus wedge and dip in coarse salt.

Backstory

The exact origin of the Paloma is unclear, with many believing it is a more modern invention. Some attribute its creation to the legendary Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of La Capilla bar in Tequila, Mexico, though this is not definitively proven. Regardless of its specific creator, the drink gained immense popularity in Mexico throughout the mid-20th century and is now considered the country's most popular tequila-based cocktail.
Origin
Mexico, mid-20th century.

Paloma

The name "Paloma" is Spanish for "dove." The drink is universally known by this name and does not have common alternative names or nicknames.
Original name
Paloma

Characteristics overview

The Paloma has a dominant flavor of tangy grapefruit balanced by the agave notes of tequila, with a crisp, effervescent texture. Its pale pink appearance and refreshing aftertaste make it a classic summery drink.
Flavor
Grapefruit, citrus, agave, tangy, slightly sweet
Aroma
Citrus, tequila, fresh lime
Taste balance
Sour, sweet, slightly bitter, salty
Aftertaste
Clean, refreshing, crisp
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Pale pink, cloudy, transparent
Texture
Light, crisp, carbonated
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by a high level of sourness and fruitiness, with moderate sweetness and a hint of bitterness. It is not creamy or spicy, but has a strong fizziness and a mild alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires just three core ingredients: Tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice, and grapefruit-flavored soda. A salted rim is optional but highly recommended for the classic experience.
  • Tequila Blanco60 ml / 2 oz
    A 100% agave tequila is recommended for the best flavor.
  • Grapefruit Soda120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Brands like Jarritos, Squirt, or Fever-Tree are popular choices.
  • Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for brightness.
  • Coarse SaltFor rimming the glass(optional)
    Provides a traditional savory contrast to the drink's flavors.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

The Paloma is a simple 'built-in-glass' cocktail, so no shaker is needed. Basic bar tools like a jigger for measurement and a bar spoon for stirring are sufficient.
  • Jigger for measuring liquids
  • Knife and cutting board for citrus garnish
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

This drink is built directly in the serving glass. Simply salt the rim, fill with ice, add tequila and lime juice, top with grapefruit soda, stir gently, and garnish.
1. Prepare the glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in a plate of coarse salt.
2. Fill the prepared highball glass with ice cubes.
3. Pour the tequila and fresh lime juice over the ice.
4. Top the glass with grapefruit soda.
5. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
6. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or a grapefruit slice and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lime wedge or wheel is the most common garnish, enhancing the drink's citrus aroma. A slice of grapefruit can also be used for a more pronounced visual and aromatic effect.
  • Lime wedge or wheel placed on the rim or in the drink
  • Grapefruit slice or peel as an alternative garnish

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is also caffeine-free, vegan, and typically gluten-free, depending on the specific brands of tequila and soda used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The Paloma is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, with its carbohydrate and sugar content primarily coming from the grapefruit soda. Using a diet soda can significantly reduce these values.
Calories
Averagely 160-190 kcal / 670-795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-20 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 15-20 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

The Paloma is a versatile drink perfect for warm-weather occasions like summer parties and BBQs. Its refreshing nature also makes it an excellent choice for casual get-togethers, brunch, or a simple happy hour.
  • Summer party
  • BBQ
  • Casual gathering
  • Brunch
  • Happy hour

Pairing suggestions

The Paloma's crisp and citrusy profile pairs wonderfully with a wide range of Mexican and Latin American cuisine. It cuts through the richness of dishes like tacos al pastor while complementing the freshness of seafood like ceviche. It is also an excellent companion to classic appetizers like guacamole and spicy salsa.
  • Tacos al pastor
  • Ceviche
  • Grilled fish
  • Spicy salsa and tortilla chips
  • Guacamole

The Paloma: Mexico's Refreshing Dove

The Paloma is a remarkably simple yet delicious cocktail that stands as Mexico's most popular tequila drink. It masterfully balances the sharp notes of tequila with the sweet, sour, and bitter profile of grapefruit soda, all lifted by a splash of fresh lime. Served over ice in a salt-rimmed highball glass, it is the ultimate thirst-quencher for a warm day, offering a more complex and refreshing alternative to other well-known tequila cocktails.

Variations

Spicy Paloma

Involves muddling a few slices of jalapeño or other chili pepper in the glass before adding the other ingredients for a spicy kick.

Mocktails

Virgin Paloma

The tequila is omitted. A splash of non-alcoholic spirit or extra lime juice can be added to balance the sweetness of the soda.

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