If you haven’t noticed, we are currently experiencing a tremendous boom in production and consumption of tequila across the globe. Tequila has won the hearts of millions and left fans searching for tasty cocktails that utilize this wildly popular spirit. The long-standing go-to for tequila drinks is the Margarita, but there is another classic cocktail one should try if they are looking for a refreshing sipper to add to their arsenal: the Paloma. Since its inception, the Paloma, Spanish for “dove”, has become the most popular cocktail in Mexico. Originally, the Paloma cocktail recipe is a simple combination of tequila and grapefruit soda, preferably Squirt. However, the Paloma can be found on cocktail menus at craft cocktail bars with a more homemade and artistic approach, using fresh juices and premium spirits. Our Paloma with Lustau fino utilizes a blend of tequila and Lustau Fino Jarana which adds some much-appreciated salinity to this zesty, citrus forward cocktail. Give Mexico’s most popular cocktail a try and you may very well have a new favorite tequila drink.
COCKTAIL: PALOMA
Full Ingredients list
- • .75oz Lustau Fino Jarana
- • .75oz blanco tequila (Siete Leguas)
- • 1oz pink grapefruit juice
- • .25oz lime juice
- • .25oz agave syrup
- • Top with grapefruit soda (Squirt)
- • Garnish: grapefruit slice and salted rim (optional)
Recipe author: Steven Dragun
WHO INVENTED THE PALOMA COCKTAIL?
The origins of the Paloma cocktail are clouded at best. There are several claims to the creation of the drink, but none of them have been verified, leaving the inventor of the Paloma a mystery. Perhaps the most popular claim belongs to Don Javier Delgado Corona, the former owner and bartender at La Capilla in Tequila, Mexico. However, world famous bartender, mentor, and author Jim Meehan had a chance to speak with Don Javier regarding this claim and Javier denied that he created the Paloma. We do know that Squirt, the grapefruit soda used in the original Paloma, was not exported to Mexico until 1955. This lines up with the Paloma’s origin timeline as it is said that the cocktail was created sometime in the 1950’s. It is a shame that there isn’t a credible source to claim the creation of this drink as it is a quintessential example of a simple yet world-class cocktail.
Our version of this beloved classic uses amontillado sherry in conjunction with white rum, which provides some salinity and nuttiness to the cocktail and transforms the drink into a light-hearted, all-day sipper.
WHAT IS THE BEST TEQUILA TO USE IN A PALOMA COCKTAIL?
The original recipe for the Paloma simply calls for tequila. However, we feel a blanco or reposado tequila would work best. The extra aging with añejo and extra añejo tequilas can tamper down on the bright nature of the cocktail, so aim for something on the lighter side.
WHAT GLASS IS A PALOMA SERVED IN?
A Paloma is traditionally served in a highball glass due to the grapefruit soda. However, if using fresh juice, it is perfectly acceptable to serve a Paloma in a rocks glass, just like a Margarita.
WHY FINO JARANA IS THE BEST SHERRY FOR A PALOMA COCKTAIL?
We chose Lustau Fino Jarana for our Paloma with sherry due to its high salinity and minerality. The additional salty touch really makes the citrus notes pop in a lovely way.
LOW ABV PALOMA COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS LIST
Using only fino instead of tequila in a Paloma offers several advantages. Fino boasts a lower alcohol content, making the cocktail lighter and more sessionable. Additionally, it tends to be more cost-effective than tequila, providing a more efficient/profitable option without sacrificing quality, texture or flavor.
• 1.5 oz Lustau Fino Jarana
• 1oz pink grapefruit juice
• .25oz lime juice
• .25oz agave syrup
• Top with grapefruit soda (Squirt)
• Garnish: grapefruit slice and salted rim (optional)
Unit costs may vary. Unit costs are approximately. They may vary in different markets, areas or countries.
HOW TO PREPARE A SIMPLE PALOMA COCKTAIL WITH FINO
1.Add all ingredients, except grapefruit soda, to a mixing tin.
2. Add ice, shake, and strain into a highball glass filled with ice
3. Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
FAQ
What’s a Paloma drink made of?
Originally, the Paloma recipe was simply tequila and grapefruit soda (Squirt). You can now find Palomas using fresh juices and crafted spirits for a more premium experience.
What’s the difference between a margarita and a Paloma?
Traditionally, a Paloma is a long drink served in a highball glass topped with grapefruit soda. A Margarita is a shaken cocktail with tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and sugar, and is served in a rocks glass.
What type of tequila is best for a Paloma cocktail?
Any blanco or reposado tequila works best in a Paloma as they do not overpower the grapefruit notes.
