Traditional Paloma

🕒 Prep: 3 min
🔥 Cook: 2 min
🍽 Serves: 8

The Traditional Paloma is a refreshing Mexican cocktail that's perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant blend of tequila and grapefruit soda, it delivers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting a get-together, this drink is sure to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors.
  • Quick and easy to make — just a few ingredients needed.
  • Refreshing and invigorating, ideal for warm weather.
  • Impresses guests with little effort; looks and tastes like a pro made it.

Ingredients

2 oz tequila
1/2 oz lime juice
4 oz grapefruit soda
Pinch of salt
Ice cubes
Grapefruit wedge, for garnish
Salt, for rimming glass

Ingredients Explained

Tequila is the star of the show, providing a strong, earthy flavor that complements the citrusy notes. Opt for a good quality blanco or reposado tequila for the best results.

Lime juice adds a fresh, zesty kick that brightens up the drink. Freshly squeezed is the way to go for maximum flavor.

Grapefruit soda brings the sweet and tangy grapefruit flavor that makes the Paloma unique. Choose a high-quality soda for the best taste.

A pinch of salt ties all the flavors together, enhancing the sweetness and counterbalancing the bitterness.

Ice cubes are essential to chill the drink and keep it refreshing.

A grapefruit wedge for garnish not only adds a pop of color but also an extra hint of citrus aroma.

Salt for rimming the glass elevates the entire drinking experience with an added texture and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use chilled glasses to keep your Paloma colder for longer.
  • Try different grapefruit sodas to find your preferred level of sweetness and flavor.
  • If you prefer a less sweet drink, add a splash of soda water to dilute it slightly.

Detailed Instructions

Start by preparing your glass. Take a lime wedge and gently rub it around the rim of the glass. This helps the salt stick. Then, dip the rim into a small plate filled with salt. This step is key for adding that extra burst of flavor with every sip.

Once your glass is ready, fill it with ice cubes. This not only chills the drink but also ensures it stays cold as you sip it slowly.

Next, pour 2 ounces of tequila over the ice. This will be the backbone of your Paloma, so make sure you get a good quality one.

Add half an ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice to the mix. This will bring a fresh, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the tequila.

Top it all off with 4 ounces of grapefruit soda. This is where the magic happens, transforming your drink into a beautifully balanced cocktail.

Using a spoon, gently stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to spill over the salted rim.

Finally, garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge. It not only looks pretty but also adds a lovely citrus aroma.

Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Traditional Paloma!

Simplified Instructions

1. Rim the glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it into a plate filled with salt.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
3. Pour 2 oz of tequila over the ice.
4. Add 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice to the glass.
5. Top off with 4 oz of grapefruit soda.
6. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
7. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Traditional Paloma with light, summery dishes like grilled shrimp tacos or a fresh citrus salad. The flavors will complement each other beautifully, enhancing your dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
What type of tequila should I use?
Blanco or reposado tequila work best for a Paloma due to their smooth, clean flavors.

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