A simple and sweet twist on the tart and tangy summer cocktail.
There’s no clear history regarding the origin of the Paloma cocktail, which is considered the most popular tequila-based drink in Mexico. One story that many people believe is that the cocktail is named after the popular folk song from the early 1860s entitled La Paloma, which means “The Dove”. And the Blackberry Paloma is a delicious, simple variation of this romantic, musical drink.
This past summer was the first time I had a Paloma; it was at a James Bond fan event in Burbank, California, and the drink was chosen for a particular Bond Girl’s namesake. From now on, whenever I drink any variation of this cocktail, I’ll be picturing actress Ana de Armas stylishly dispatching dangerous villains while wearing a cocktail dress.
The classic version of the Paloma is already full of robust flavor, mixing tequila with mouthwatering lime and grapefruit. Adding muddled blackberries brings some very welcome sweetness that blends effortlessly with the tanginess of the other fruit flavors.
What’s the best tequila to use in a Blackberry Paloma?
For this drink, I would recommend using a silver tequila. This particular spirit is considered “unaged” and has more of the tequila’s natural taste, which tends to work better when mixing with other flavors. That said, some versions of the Blackberry Paloma are made with añejo tequila, which is usually aged for a year or more and tends to have smoky, caramel flavors that will result in a more robust cocktail.
Ingredients
- 6 fresh blackberries
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce pink grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Kosher salt and lime wedge for the rim
- Club soda to top
- Grapefruit wedge, lime slice, or additional blackberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the blackberries to release their juices.
- Add in the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and some ice cubes. Shake until everything is well combined.
- Add the salt to a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then press it into the salt to coat. Fill the glass with ice, pour your cocktail in, then top it off with a splash of club soda for that fizzy finish.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge, lime slice, or extra blackberries.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Either a highball glass or a rocks glass makes for the perfect vessel to enjoy this cocktail from. A wedge of grapefruit or lime slice on the rim and a few blackberries floating on top are the ideal capper.
How can I adjust a Blackberry Paloma that tastes too tart?
The mix of lime and grapefruit is a little intense for some people, but the solution is simple… Simple syrup! The recipe already calls for this ingredient, so all you have to do is add a little bit more until you find your perfect flavor. Don’t start with too much, though! Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t add less.
Similar drinks to the Blackberry Paloma
Blackberry Palomas are very popular during the hot months of summer, and for good reason. They’re full of sweet and tangy flavors, so if you’re looking for other similar tastes to try out, here are a few other options to wet your whistle:
- Watermelon Paloma – Another fruity take on this classic Mexican beverage.
- Blackberry Moscow Mule – Still got some blackberries? Try adding them to the lime- and ginger-infused Moscow Mule.
- Tequila Sunrise – If it’s the bright and zesty flavor of orange you’re craving, this is the drink for you.
- Strawberry Fizz – Sweet, fizzy, and oh-so fresh. This one’s a no-brainer.
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