This fizzy and tangy tequila cocktail will keep you cool in the sweet summer sun.
If one were to assume what the national cocktail of Mexico would be, you might automatically guess the Margarita. And why not? It has been an iconic drink for decades, popular the world over and features tequila as the base spirit. But you would be wrong.
The beverage that holds the honor of being Mexico’s national libation does indeed have a tequila base. And like the Margarita, it too uses lime juice. But where they begin to differ is the use of grapefruit. The Margarita is tart and sweet, while the Paloma, tonight’s cocktail, is tart, tangy and bubbly.
I only had a Paloma for the first time last year, at a James Bond cocktail hour. They were served in honor of Ana de Armas’ character from the movie No Time to Die, where she had the same name as our drink. For my money, the whole sequence featuring Paloma is the best part of the film. And the fizzy and refreshing tipple that bears her name is just as satisfying.
The history of this drink is unclear and contested, as are the origins of many famous beverages. The general belief is that it appeared sometime toward the middle of the 20th century in Mexico. The word itself, paloma, is Spanish for ‘dove’. Some have thought that legendary bartender Don Javier Delgado Corona, creator of the Batanga cocktail, invented the Paloma as well, but Corona himself has refuted this claim. More than likely it took its inspiration from the popular folk song La Paloma, which had been around since the 1860s.
We may never know exactly who crafted the first Paloma, but they probably knew they had a good thing going with that very first sip.
What Is the Best Tequila to use in a Paloma?
You can choose any tequila you like, based on how complex, spicy and robust you want your Paloma to be. A silver tequila, which is clear, will have some smooth peppery notes that blend seamlessly with the grapefruit and lime flavors, adding just the right amount of bite to each sip. A reposado or an añejo tequila will have a darker, amber hue. Since these spirits are aged, they’ll bring a lot more flavor, spice and heat to your cocktail.
Ingredients
- Salt for the rim
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 2 ounces grapefruit juice
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup adjust to taste
- 2 ounces sparkling water
- 1 grapefruit wedge optional, for garnish
Instructions
- First, the salt rim. Pour salt onto a plate, moisten the edge of your glass with a lime wedge and dip it into the salt.
- Combine the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in your glass. Add ice and stir the cocktail.
- Finish off by pouring sparkling water into the glass, giving it a final gentle stir. You can also add an optional grapefruit wedge for garnish.
Nutrition
What Glassware and Garnish are Used?
To keep it traditional, you’ll want a highball glass to serve your Palomas in. Tall and elegant, their slim design helps keep your ice from melting too fast and diluting your cocktail. Pop a plump grapefruit wedge on the rim for garnish.
Is this Really Mexico’s National Cocktail?
Yes. The Mexican government declared the Paloma as the country’s official national drink. Separately, World Paloma Day is now celebrated on May 22nd every year since it was created in 2019.
Paloma Variations
Bubbly and tangy is a thirst-quenching combination, which is why we love the Paloma so much. And the good news is there’s a fair amount of tasty and memorable variations on this classic drink for you to enjoy. Try some of these out this weekend to see how they compare with the original.
- Beer Paloma – Add some suds to your next grapefruit/tequila drink.
- Paloma Sour – This satisfying Sour will refresh your senses and relax your mind.
- Spicy Paloma – Jalapeño peppers bring the perfect amount of heat, giving this Paloma a little kick.
- Skinny Paloma – Lighten your load with this calorie-counting cocktail.
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