This is one of Mexico’s favourite cocktails. Forget the Margarita (that’s a common misconception) the Paloma combines tequila with some wonderful fresh grapefruit juice.
This particular recipe is a more craft like cocktail, instead of using grapefruit soda (which is a great choice should you have it) it requires sugar syrup, grapefruit juice and club soda instead.
This tweak creates a bit more depth in the drinks flavours and creates a more balanced cocktail (in my mind at least).
Note: I must say here that I strongly recommend using a high gradeTequila (see here) anything with the phrase “100% Agave” is what you’re looking for. Whilst the supermarkets stock the cheaper Jose Cuervo tequila’s consumption of these will result in worse hangover effects than those a little more expensive (the ones that say “made with 100% Agave”). A good example is the Tequila on sale at your local Waitrose Supermarket (or alternatively you could checkout Ocado’s online service)…
So remember: Cheaper is not always better! Always read the label and buy 100% agave – Tequila that does not say this clearly on the label will give you a worse hangover than those that do! (It’s a process in the distillation, one that I will share in post at another time but should you be interested in further reading try out this: Tequila Facts)
Yeah, yeah I know that was a bit of a lecture but here, check out this great recipe and enjoy you Tequila:
Phillip Ward’s Paloma
1 lime wedge
Salt
2 measures Blanco (silver/white) Tequila
1 measure Fresh Grapefruit Juice
¾ measures fresh lime juice
½ measure Sugar Syrup (1:1)
Top up club soda
1 lime wedge, for garnish
Method:
1) Moisten the rim of a highball glass with a lime wedge and lightly dust with the salt.
2) Fill the serving glass and shaker tin with ice.
3) Add the Tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, sugar syrup and shake wel.
4) Strain the mixture into the serving glass and stir in the club soda to taste (you should only need around 1 measure for every 2 measures of tequila).
This cocktail is a Mexican classic, but has been tweaked to allow greater flavour and enjoyment. Whilst this is my preferred method of mixing up a Paloma, I know some of you would prefer the quicker, easier version…
So here it is (you can thank me later)…
Paloma, Classic
2 measures Blanco (silver/white) Tequila
½ measure Fresh Lime Juice
6 measures (top up) Grapefruit Soda
Method:
1) Rim the highball glass with salt (using lime juice to moisten the rim).
2) Combine the tequila and lime juice in a shaking tin and fill with ice.
3) Shake well and strain into the serving glass.
4) Top up with Grapefruit Soda and gently stir it in.
5) Garnish with a lime wheel/wedge and a maraschino cherry.
So there is the classic recipe and Ward’s tweaked recipe. Either way I hope you enjoy them, remember: Tequila is not bad as long as you respect it. That being said please remember to drink responsibly!
The Fervent Shaker 