Move Over, Margarita — Insiders Say That The Paloma Is the #1 Tequila Drink — Here’s Why

What if we told you that Mexico is the land of tequila: Indeed it was the Aztecs of Northern Mexico who discovered the magical sip more than 3,000 years ago. And in today’s Mexico, the margarita actually isn’t the most popular tequila drink. Those honors go to — surprise! — the Paloma. Take one sip of this combination of grapefruit soda, tequila and lime, and you’ll see why. It’s zesty, refreshing and absolutely perfect on a hot day. Even better, with just a handful of ingredients, the Paloma is super simple to make. Read on to learn more about this drink and get the delicious recipe, plus fun variations.

The history of the Paloma

Not much is known about the origin of the Paloma. Some believe it is named after “La Paloma” (“The Dove”), a popular Mexican folk song composed in the early 1860s. Yet others say the word “paloma” could have been confused with the word “pomelo,” which is Spanish for grapefruit. According to Diffords Guide, the ingredients for the Paloma cocktail were first mixed together in the 1950s by Javier Delgado, owner and bartender of the legendary establishment, La Capilla, in Tequila, Mexico, where he also created another popular tequila drink called the Batanga, which is a tequila and cola cocktail.

How to make a Paloma

Traditionalists like to start with the Mexican brand of grapefruit soda called Jarritos, but you can use any variety you can find in your local store — both Fresca and Squirt make great substitutes. Blanco tequila, with its crisp, fresh flavor, is the first choice when making the Paloma, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try reposado. This aged tequila’s bold notes of caramel and honey perfectly complement the slightly bitter taste of grapefruit. Fresh lime juice adds zing, and you can easily adjust the amount to taste. For an upscale flourish, add a salt rim to your glass before adding the drink ingredients.

Paloma Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs. coarse salt
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Ice cubes
• 2 oz. Blanco tequila
• 4 oz. grapefruit soda, such as Jarritos
• Grapefruit slices

Directions:

1. Sprinkle salt over small plate. Rub 1 lime wedge around the rim of 2 rocks glasses. Dip rims in salt; invert. Fill glasses with ice cubes being careful not to displace the salt.
2. Dividing evenly, pour tequila into glasses. Dividing evenly, add grapefruit soda, then squeeze 1 lime wedge into each. Garnish with grapefruit slices. Serve with additional lime wedges for squeezing.

Can’t find grapefruit soda? You can make your Paloma with grapefruit juice instead. Simply sub in an equal amount of juice plus sparkling water for the soda in your recipe and add a splash of simple syrup.

Try this Rosemary-Infused Paloma

This Paloma variation combines tequila, lime, grapefruit juice, club soda and rosemary simple syrup for sweet herbal undertones that pair deliciously with the tart citrus.

Rosemary Paloma

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs. coarse salt
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Ice cubes
• 2 oz. Blanco tequila
• 2 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice
• 2 oz. club soda
• Rosemary simple syrup (see recipe below)
• Grapefruit slices and rosemary sprigs

Directions:

1. Sprinkle salt over small plate. Rub 1 lime wedge around the rim of 2 rocks glasses. Dip rims in salt; invert. Fill glasses with ice cubes being careful not to displace the salt.
2. Dividing evenly, pour tequila into glasses. Dividing evenly add grapefruit juice and soda. Stir 1-2 Tbs. syrup into each glass, then squeeze 1 lime wedge into each. Garnish with grapefruit slices and rosemary sprigs. Serve with additional lime wedges for squeezing. 

To make rosemary syrup: Bring 1 cup water to boil. Stir in 1 cup sugar and 8 rosemary sprigs. Stir until sugar dissolves; remove from heat. Let steep 10 minutes; remove rosemary and chill. Store leftover syrup, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can use it to flavor other drinks or sparkling water.  (Click through to learn how to grow rosemary from cuttings.)

More fun ideas with Palomas

It’s easy to customize the Paloma to your own tastes. For a smoky note, simply swap in mezcal for the tequila. If you like things with a beat of heat, then this Spicy Paloma kicked up with jalapeño from Adrianna Adarme at Fresh Tastes. Want to make more it even more refreshing? Try this Strawberry Paloma Slushy from Alexandra Stafford of Alexandra’s Kitchen:

@alexandraskitchen

My favorite summer cocktail to make for a crowd: Strawberry Paloma Slushies 🍓🍹💯 #strawberry #paloma #slushies #tequila

♬ original sound – Alexandra’s Kitchen

Still want even more? You can also transform those Paloma flavors into a dessert. Whip up a batch of Paloma Cupcakes, or try this recipe for Paloma Pound Cake. Cheers to endless possibilities and be sure to check out our recipe for Pineapple Margaritas for more cocktail inspiration!