A paloma is a tequila-based cocktail that is very popular in Mexico. The name “paloma” means “dove” in Spanish, which refers to the pale pink color of the drink. In English, palomas go by a few different names, including:
Grapefruit Soda
This is probably the most common English name for the paloma cocktail. As the name suggests, grapefruit soda or grapefruit juice is a key ingredient in the drink, along with tequila and lime juice. The grapefruit gives the paloma its signature tart, citrusy flavor.
Tequila Sunrise
While tequila sunrise is a different cocktail made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, some English speakers use “tequila sunrise” interchangeably with paloma. The colors of the two cocktails are similar – pinkish orange gradients.
Pink Paloma
Like “grapefruit soda,” “pink paloma” references the pale pink color of the cocktail. This name specifically uses the Spanish word “paloma” too.
Mexican Soda
“Mexican soda” is an apt English name for the paloma, since it resembles a grapefruit-flavored soda with alcohol. The cocktail was invented in Mexico, so the name ties back to the drink’s origins.
Tequila Fizz
A “fizz” is a type of cocktail made by shaking liquor, citrus juice, and soda water. With its tequila base and bubbly grapefruit soda ingredient, the paloma fits the definition of a tequila fizz.
Salty Paloma
Salt is used to rim the glass in a classic paloma recipe. “Salty paloma” refers to this salty-sweet flavor combo.
History of the Paloma
The paloma was invented sometime in the mid 20th century in Mexico. Anthropologists believe the cocktail was first created in the town of Tequila, which lies in the state of Jalisco – the heart of Mexican tequila production.
One legend claims that the paloma was conceived by a Mexican restaurant owner named Don Javier Delgado Corona. According to this tale, when the American soda brand Squirt first entered Mexico in 1949, Don Javier decided to experiment by combining Squirt grapefruit soda, tequila, and lime. This produced an early prototype of the drink we now call the paloma.
The paloma quickly became popular at bars and restaurants across Mexico. The recipe was spreading throughout the country by the 1960s. Once tourists discovered it, the cocktail gained international fame. By the 1980s, palomas were being enjoyed by drinkers across North America.
Standard Paloma Ingredients
A classic paloma recipe only calls for three main ingredients:
- Tequila blanco – A silver, unaged white tequila.
- Grapefruit soda – Such as Squirt, Jarritos, Fresca, or Ting.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice.
The tequila and lime form the alcoholic base, while the grapefruit soda provides carbonation and fruity flavor. These essential components are combined in a tall glass with ice.
Optional Ingredients
There are also some optional ingredients that can enhance the paloma:
- Salt – For salting the rim of the glass.
- Agave nectar – For a touch of sweetness.
- Grapefruit wedge – For garnish.
- Lime wedge – Also used as garnish.
- Ice cubes – Crushed ice makes a slushier, frothier drink.
Classic Paloma Recipe
Here is a basic, 3-ingredient recipe to make a paloma cocktail at home:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila blanco
- 1⁄2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 4-5 ounces grapefruit soda (such as Squirt or Jarritos)
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour the tequila and lime juice into the glass.
- Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Serve and enjoy!
Variations
While the classic paloma recipe is simple and delicious on its own, there are many ways to put a unique spin on the cocktail:
Fruity Paloma
Substitute regular grapefruit soda with ruby red or another grapefruit flavor. Or use half grapefruit soda and half fruit juice, like orange, pineapple, or cranberry.
Spicy Paloma
Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili liqueur for some heat. Chili-lime salt on the rim also provides a kick.
Fizzy Paloma
Use lemon-lime soda like 7Up instead of grapefruit, and garnish with a lime wedge.
Paloma Spritz
Top with a splash of sparkling wine or cava for a lighter, bubbly twist.
Skinny Paloma
Lower the sugar content by using diet grapefruit soda, diluted with extra sparkling water.
Paloma on the Rocks
Skip the soda and make it more like a margarita. Shake tequila and lime with ice, then strain over fresh ice.
What Types of Tequila Work Best?
The most common tequila to use in a paloma is silver (blanco) tequila. This clear, unaged spirit has a crisp agave flavor that balances the citrus and sweetness. Silver tequila also tends to be cheaper than the aged varieties.
Reposado tequila provides a smooth, subtle oakiness from aging up to a year in barrels. Because reposado tequilas absorb more flavors from the wood, they pair nicely with fruity paloma recipes.
Añejo tequilas spend at least a year aging in oak, resulting in a complex, luxurious spirit. Save these premium aged tequilas for sipping – their woody vanilla notes can get lost when mixed in cocktails.
Recommended Tequila Brands for Palomas
- Jose Cuervo Especial Silver
- Sauza Silver
- Espolòn Blanco
- Olmeca Altos Plata
- Milagro Silver
- Corralejo Silver
- Casamigos Blanco
What Type of Grapefruit Soda Should You Use?
The most iconic grapefruit soda to use in a paloma is Squirt, especially if you want to follow the drink’s original recipe. Squirt has been made in Mexico since the 1940s. This brand provides an authentically fizzy, fresh grapefruit taste.
That said, you can use any grapefruit-flavored soda you like! Some other options include:
- Jarritos
- Ting
- Fresca
- Izze
- Maine Root
- San Pellegrino Pompelmo
Avoid using canned grapefruit juice instead of soda, since juice won’t provide the right carbonation or bubbly texture.
Paloma Cocktail Variations
The basic paloma template of tequila, citrus, and grapefruit soda can be customized into endless variations. Here are just some of the creative paloma concoctions you can mix up!
| Paloma Variation | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Blood Orange Paloma | Tequila, blood orange soda, lime, salt |
| Prickly Pear Paloma | Tequila, prickly pear syrup, grapefruit soda, lime |
| Paloma Spritz | Tequila, grapefruit juice, lime, cava, sparkling water |
| Paloma Fizz | Tequila, lemon-lime soda, lime |
| Paloma Negroni | Tequila, grapefruit soda, Campari, sweet vermouth |
| Smoky Paloma | Mezcal, grapefruit soda, lime, salt |
| Skinny Paloma | Tequila, diet grapefruit soda, lime, club soda |
| Spicy Paloma | Tequila, grapefruit soda, lime, chili powder rim |
Where to Find the Best Palomas in Mexico
If you find yourself craving an authentic paloma in Mexico, here are some top spots to visit:
La Capilla, Tequila
This legendary Tequila bar supposedly invented the very first paloma back in the 1940s. Come experience the famous drink in its birthplace, with tequila sourced from the surrounding region.
La Perla, Cabo San Lucas
This rooftop bar offers gorgeous sunset views with your paloma. Their version is crisp and refreshing, with sweet grapefruit flavor.
Las Perlas, Mexico City
The trendy bars at Las Perlas put creative twists on classic cocktails, including seasonal palomas made with fresh-squeezed juices.
La Ticla, Mexico City
Historic La Ticla serves excellent food alongside their sizable tequila selection. Their paloma comes in a goblet glass with a chili-salt rim.
Casa Kimberly, Puerto Vallarta
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton once owned this glamorous hotel bar. Today you can channel retro Hollywood vibes while sipping a pink paloma by the pool.
How to Make a Paloma Cocktail
Ready to start shaking up this refreshing Mexican classic? Follow these simple steps for crafting a stellar paloma:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1⁄2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3-4 ounces grapefruit soda
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Salt or chili powder (optional)
Directions
- Prep the glass: If using salt or chili powder, rub a lime wedge around the rim of a tall glass. Dip the moistened rim into a plate of salt or chili powder to coat.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add tequila and lime juice. Pour in the tequila and lime juice. Make sure to use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
- Top with grapefruit soda. Pour in the grapefruit soda slowly and gently to preserve the fizz.
- Garnish and serve. Add a lime wedge to the rim and serve immediately.
For best results, use high-quality 100% agave tequila and authentic Mexican grapefruit soda. Feel free to adjust the soda to tequila ratio to taste – add more tequila for a boozier punch or more soda for a lighter, fizzier sip. Salud!
Paloma Cocktail FAQs
What liquor is in a Paloma drink?
The base liquor in a classic paloma is tequila. Most recipes call for white/silver tequila blanco, but reposado or mezcal also work. Vodka or rum are sometimes substituted in vodka palomas or rum palomas.
What is a Paloma made of?
A paloma is made with tequila, fresh lime juice, grapefruit soda like Squirt, and ice. Salt on the rim is optional. So the cocktail only has 3-4 main ingredients.
Why is it called a Paloma?
“Paloma” means “dove” in Spanish. The name refers to the pale dove-like grayish pink color of the cocktail.
Is a Paloma just a grapefruit vodka soda?
Nope, a true paloma should be made with tequila, not vodka. While vodka can be substituted to make a “vodka paloma,” the tequila is what gives the drink its Mexican flavor profile.
Can you make a Paloma without grapefruit?
Technically yes, but grapefruit is such a defining ingredient that leaving it out results in a very different drink. Without grapefruit soda or juice, it’s no longer a true paloma. Common substitutions are lemon-lime soda, blood orange soda, or other citrus juices.
Is a Paloma a girly drink?
Not necessarily – while the paloma may look pretty in its pink glass, it’s not overly sweet or fruity. The grapefruit and tequila keep it well-balanced. Palomas can be enjoyed by any gender.
Can a Paloma be made without tequila?
Vodka is sometimes used instead of tequila, but tequila’s flavor profile really makes the drink. For a non-alcoholic option, the juice and soda create a nice mocktail on their own.
Conclusion
With its refreshing blend of citrus, fruitiness and salty-sweet flavors, the paloma cocktail has become a modern classic. While the drink goes by several English names like grapefruit soda and tequila sunrise, no translation can top the original Spanish moniker. Sourced from Mexican tradition and ingenuity, the “dove”-colored paloma – in all its wonderful variations – continues to fly high.