Paloma


A long, grapefruit forward tequila highball that drinks bright and mineral.


Base spirit
Tequila
Style
Highball
Glassware
Highball glass

The Paloma pairs tequila with grapefruit and lime in a tall, effervescent highball. Built directly in the glass, it relies on cold carbonation and a pinch of salt to sharpen citrus and agave notes. Fresh juice and soda yield a drier style, while Mexican grapefruit sodas give a sweeter profile. Modern historians describe it as a mid twentieth century Mexican classic long before its international rise.


A tall highball of Paloma with a salted rim and grapefruit wedge.

Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 oz tequila
  • 2 oz grapefruit juice
  • 0.5 oz lime juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup (optional)
  • 2–3 oz soda water
  • Pinch of salt
  • Grapefruit wedge

Did you know?

PunchDrink highlights regional grapefruit sodas’ role in defining the Paloma.

Source:PunchDrink archives

Bartender's Note

A pinch of salt enhances bitterness and sweetness.

How to make the Paloma

  1. 1Salt rim.
  2. 2Add ice.
  3. 3Add ingredients.
  4. 4Stir.
  5. 5Top with soda.
  6. 6Garnish.

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