Cinco de Mayo is well known for tequila and the logical thought is that it should be celebrated with Margaritas. You would think this might be especially true in Mexico as well. However, outside of one particular area of Mexico, Cinco de Mayo isn’t really celebrated, and Margaritas aren’t nearly as popular as Palomas. The Paloma is originally a mixture of grapefruit soda, lime, and tequila, although more modern interpretations bring in actual grapefruit juice. Compared to the margarita the list of ingredients make it even easier to build, so why not try one out.
Paloma
The Paloma delivers a refreshing mix of sweet, sour, and agave notes with a hint of grapefruit. The start of the drink is tinged with hints of grapefruit from the garnish that give way to a sweetened version via the soda. The tequila then kicks up, in this case adding notes of spice and other citrus, as well as cooked agave flavor. The tequila elements linger on the finish, while the lime, bubbles, and grapefruit notes keep things refreshing.
Drink Notes & Recommendations
The Paloma is a refreshing and engaging cocktail that serves a vessel for the tequila. Modern interpretations tilt this toward the grapefruit by adding in fresh grapefruit juice and soda in place of grapefruit soda. The result is a much more citrus forward drink, that belies the original grapefruit soda and tequila formal, but feels more natural and bitter.
- Tequila – Tequila can make or break this cocktail. In our testing we worked with Siete Leguas Blanco, Pasote Blanco, and Olmeca Altos Blanco. Due to the high percentage compared with the soda and lime, the flavors of the tequila will directly drive the drink. If you see a pattern there, it’s due to the refreshing nature of blanco tequila. Don’t let that limit you though, reposado can work here as well.
- Grapefruit Soda – The most commonly available grapefruit sodas are Ting, Squirt, and Jarritos. All of which can be hit and miss to find in your region and have different flavor profiles. We recommend using what you can find, and trying multiple sodas to determine what you like best. In our area, we’ve only been able to find Jarritos, which we find enjoyable if not captivating.
- Lime Juice – Always use fresh squeezed for best results.