Paloma

Name: Paloma
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Tequila Blanco; 120 ml / 4 oz, or to top Grapefruit Soda; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Lime Juice; For rimming the glass Coarse Salt (optional)

Ingredients Instructions

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.

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.