Zesty and Pink: The Best Paloma Cocktail for Summer

The history of the Paloma cocktail 

This epic tequila and grapefruit cooler’s history is a little bit muddled. The most accepted version is that it was created by the highly acclaimed bartender, Don Javier Delgado Corona at La Capilla—a bar in Tequila, Mexico.  

But that was back in 1950, and today you’ll find plenty of variations of the classic Paloma recipe, with modern twists that add different flavours and results.  

Paloma cocktail ingredients  

Like most cocktails, we really appreciate the classics, and this one is no different. Learning how to make a Paloma drink couldn’t be easier. The Paloma drink ingredients will be easy to remember with only two components: Grapefruit soda and tequila. Our recipe adds a few extras to elevate it to a whole new flavour level. Ingredients are always the most important part of any recipe, so let’s chat about those first:  

• Tequila: This is serious business. For the best Paloma cocktail, you want the best tequila. We suggest reaching for a bottle of Espolón Tequila Blanco. This unaged tequila is created with 100% Blue Weber agave, delivering a smooth and balanced taste perfect for cocktail making. 
• Fresh grapefruit: While a classic Paloma recipe calls for grapefruit soda, we prefer freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for extra tartness.  
• Soda water: The best Paloma cocktail has got to have some fizz; for that, you’re going to use a splash of soda water.  
• Fresh lime: The bittersweetness of the grapefruit juice blends beautifully with the zesty lime and will result in a lovely, zingy cocktail.  
• Agave nectar: Tequila and agave nectar are meant for each other. This infused syrup will add a unique sweetness to your Paloma. If you can’t find any at the store, go ahead and use sugar syrup instead.  

To make your Paloma cocktail extra special, rim a highball glass with salt. Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and agave nectar and give it a gentle stir until everything is combined. Add ice and then top your drink with soda water, stirring gently. Garnish with a wedge of fresh grapefruit or lime, and enjoy. Told you. Easy!   

Recipe tips and tricks 

While the Paloma cocktail is one of the best tequila cocktails for beginners, you can take it to the next level with some handy tips and tricks.  

• If it’s too sweet: Add more grapefruit. 
• If it’s too sour: Add more agave syrup. 
• If it’s too strong: Add more soda, or wait for the ice to dilute into the drink. 
• If you want some spice: Add a pinch of chilli powder to your salt mix. 
• If you’re going to try the original: Use 120ml grapefruit soda instead of fresh juice and soda.