Paloma Cocktail recipe

Refreshing & simple this Paloma Cocktail Recipe combines the tart flavours of fresh ruby red grapefruit juice, a squeeze of lime, a splash of club soda along with your favourite Reposado Tequila or white tequila. A perfect summer sipper!

I have never been much of a tequila drinking and to be honest it is not my go-to for cocktails usually. A friend of mine let me sip her Paloma while out for tacos one afternoon and even then I was a found it a little … meh.

This weekend my husband who has developed a new passion for cocktail making wanted to whip of something new. All we had on hand in our liquor cabinet was tequila so I told him to give a Paloma a try and gave him the gist of what it was made with. He purchased a very good bottle of tequila last time we were in Mexico and it made a world of difference. This is his creation!

Paloma cocktail ingredients:

• Reposado tequila or a good quality white tequila
• Simple syrup
• Ruby red grapefruit juice
• A squeeze of lime juice
• Club soda
• Salt (optional)

How to make simple syrup

Simple syrup is a cinch to make and can be kept in the fridge for up to a month to use for a number of cocktails.

To make simple syrup combine 1 part water to 1 part granulated sugar. Place in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until all the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using or storing. Super simple.

What type of tequila is best for palomas?

Palomas along with many cocktails typically use a Blanco (white), silver or Reposado tequila.

Blanco or Silver tequilas are younger tequilas that have not been aged in wood barrels. They tend to be a little more acidic and fruit-forward as well as less expensive.

Reposado tequilas are aged in wood barrels anywhere from 2 to 12 months. Ageing in barrels tends to round out the flavour and the ageing process creates a smoother drinking tequila. This type of tequila is great for cocktails and also swaps out nicely for whiskey.

Anejo tequilas are aged much longer in barrels giving them a very smooth drinking experience and are much darker in appearance with a deeper flavour. They are typically much more expensive and usually presented as a stand-alone drink for sipping.

Given the price point and flavour profiles, Blanco, silver or Reposado tequilas are best for cocktail mixing. I personally prefer a Reposado tequila because of it’s smoother drinking experience. My husband likes 1921Reposado.

Paloma cocktail recipe tips

• Make the simple syrup ahead of time and keep a batch in your fridge
• If you can try this cocktail with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. – fresh is always better!
• Cut a lime in quarters and use the lime itself to rim the glass
• Have a plate off to the side with the lime wedges to make it easier for rimming the glasses
• Having a party? Make one large batch of this and serve in a pitcher with glasses for guests
• Serve this cocktail with some Mexican munchies like tortilla chips and fresh pico de gallo

Other summer cocktails & Mocktails:

• Meyer Lemon Margarita
• Skinny Strawberry Mojito
• Frozen Basil Bellini Mocktail
• Blueberry Lemon Ice Tea

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