PALOMA
The Paloma: Mexico's Favorite Tequila Cocktail
The Paloma's exact origins remain unclear, though the drink is widely considered Mexico's most popular tequila cocktail.
The name "Paloma" means "dove" in Spanish, but the reason for this name is disputed. Some stories credit the drink's creation to Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of La Capilla bar in Tequila, Jalisco, though this claim lacks definitive documentation, according to Difford's Guide.
The cocktail traditionally combines tequila with grapefruit-flavored soda (most commonly Jarritos or Squirt in Mexico) and fresh lime juice, served in a salt-rimmed glass. This simple formula creates a refreshing, lightly sweet highball that's less labor-intensive than the Margarita, as noted in Liquor.com.
The Paloma likely emerged in the mid-20th century as grapefruit sodas became widely available in Mexico. The drink's popularity in Mexico far exceeds the Margarita, particularly outside tourist areas, according to Punch.
Modern craft cocktail versions often use fresh grapefruit juice and soda water instead of commercial grapefruit soda, creating a less sweet, more sophisticated profile while maintaining the drink's essential character.
RECIPE:
2 oz tequila (blanco preferred)
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
4 oz grapefruit soda (Jarritos, Squirt, or fresh grapefruit juice with soda water)
Salt for rim
Grapefruit wedge for garnish
Method:
Rim a highball glass with salt.
Fill with ice and add tequila and lime juice.
Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently.
Garnish with grapefruit wedge.