I'm in New York City this week and so must fall back on an old favorite cocktail and, more importantly, cocktail photograph. Gosh, did Donna nail this one. Regular readers may be tired of it, but new ones won't, and it remains my favorite photograph of a cocktail my beloved has taken (my gross thumb notwithstanding). Looks like summer, with those vibrant colors and clear light, the obviously refreshing elixir, the promising and fine bottle, the season.
It couldn't be simpler or more delicious, especially if you get a good grapefruit soda. Tequila, soda, and lime, so refreshing on a summer evening. It can in fact be too refreshing—for instance, on your fifth Paloma you really aren't becoming as refreshed as you think you are. So go easy. Just ask Garrett if you doubt me.
Happy summertime Friday cocktail, everyone!
If you liked this post on the Paloma, check out these other links:
- My past cocktail posts with tequila are the Margarita and El Diablo.
- Tequila Aficionado is a magazine that shares new information about this agave-based spirit.
- Check out a bunch of other tequila cocktail recipes at Bon Appétit.
- Become a member of the Tequila Interchange Project.
© 2014 Michael Ruhlman. Photo © 2014 Donna Turner Ruhlman. All rights reserved.
PALOMA
Ingredients
- 3 ounces tequila
- Juice of ½ lime
- 3 ounces grapefruit soda, or to taste
- 1 lime wedge, for garnish, if you wish
Instructions
- Combine the tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda in a beautiful glass filled with ice.
- Swirl to combine. Garnish with the lime wedge, if desired.
- If it's very hot where you are, pause to consider that you are about to indulge in one of the most refreshing cocktails you've ever had.
Pam M
Let's be honest here. Donna nails it every single time.
The Paloma looks awfully good but I'll go easy. I faced that refreshment vs. reality limit one August afternoon drinking Pimms Cups at the Napoleon House in New Orleans. The less said, the better.
David J. Montgomery
The Paloma is a great drink. One of my favorites. You can do a salted rim, if you like, or in Mexico they often just put a pinch of salt right in the drink itself. (I usually only do this if I'm using a bitter grapefruit option.)
I'm not a fan of the IZZE soda -- not much grapefruit flavor. Try it with San Pellegrino Pompelmo. It's outstanding.
Great post for a Friday afternoon!
Bricktop
Thanks to you, this has been my 2014 summer drink, just not in a tiny glass like yours :-D. (And I second the San Pellegrino Pompelmo.)
Claudia
I LOVE this drink!! We served it on New Year's Eve and think I'll be serving it this weekend to my brother's girlfriend....in a beautiful glass!! That part goes unsaid.
Brian Holden
Looks delicious. One question however, for us non-tequila buyers....can anyone recommend a good bottle for this in the under $30 category? With different types of tequila, I am a bit clueless as to what to buy, and the pictured bottle is a bit rich for my budget. Thanks!
David J. Montgomery
Recommended budget blanco tequilas.... Olmeca Altos, Pueblo Viejo, Espolon, Milagro. Camarena in a pinch.
Rick kirchner
The Palate, One our our local wateringholes in Milford has a beer on draft call Schofferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen.
It's only 2.5% alc so adding a shot of tequila makes a great and simple beer Paloma. Check it out next time your in town visiting Brian.
Schofferhofer grapefruit is a unique combination of sparkling wheat beer and refreshing tangy fruit juice. Mix of 50% Schofferhofer wheat beer and 50% grapefruit juice.
Tammi
I need one of these right now. One of those days that started with a face plant worthy phone call that made me threaten to head to a bar at 8AM, and then I see this. Five o'clock can't come fast enough!
cleek
i usually throw some Cointreau in there for a little extra flavor. and a scoop of raspberry gelato on top of that is pretty grand. seriously.
Jeff @ Cheese-burger.net
I love this cocktail. Me on a beach with this cocktail in my hand would be perfect.