The Paloma cocktail is one of the true stars of Mexican cocktail culture, showing off tequila’s refreshing, citrusy side at its best. Its light, fruity character comes from tangy lime and crisp, bubbly grapefruit soda, all brought together by that unmistakable tequila base. Many consider the Margarita Mexico’s national cocktail, but the Paloma has a massive fan base too—and the debate has been going on for decades about which one is the real Mexican icon. Thanks to its simplicity and bright, refreshing finish, the Paloma is a perfect pick for hot summer days or anytime you’re craving something easy, light, and seriously satisfying.
History
The origins of the Paloma cocktail aren’t entirely clear, but it has been one of Mexico’s most popular drinks ever since it rose to fame in the 1950s. According to one legend, the cocktail was named after the famous Mexican song “La Paloma” (meaning “The Dove”), one of the country’s best-known musical pieces. Others credit its creation to the legendary Don Javier Delgado Corona, the former owner and bartender of La Capilla (Chapel) bar in Tequila, Mexico.
Ingredients
2 oz (60 ml) tequila (preferably blanco or reposado)
1/2 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
4 oz (120 ml) grapefruit-flavored soda (Apenta or Schweppes)
Pinch of salt (optional)
How to Make a Paloma Cocktail
Pour the tequila and freshly squeezed lime juice into a tall glass. If you’d like to add salt—which really helps the flavors pop—stir it straight into the drink. Alternatively, you can do it Margarita-style: rub the rim of the glass with lime, then dip it into salt for a salted rim. Still, that version is usually more common with Margaritas. Next, fill the glass with ice, then top it with the sparkling grapefruit soda. Finally, give it a gentle stir so the bubbles stay lively and fresh.
Serving and Garnish
The Paloma cocktail is most often served in a Collins glass to highlight its crisp, balanced flavors. For garnish, add a slice of grapefruit or a lime wedge—either perched on the rim or dropped right into the drink.
Calorie Content
A single serving of a Paloma cocktail contains approximately 160–170 calories, mainly from the sugar content of the tequila and grapefruit soda. If you’d like to cut it down a bit, go for a lighter version by using sugar-free grapefruit soda.