Paloma
This cocktail is a great alternative to a margarita. It's less sweet, but still has a summery punch with tart grapefruit and lime. Choose a Reposado style tequila for this cocktail, such as Espolòn Tequila Reposado, a well-priced, quality tequila, perfect for mixed cocktails. If you want a smokier flavor in the cocktail, choose mezcal (our favorite way to enjoy a Paloma).
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
2 oz. tequila or mezcal
0.75 oz. fresh lime juice
Pinch kosher salt
Grapefruit soda to top (such as San Pellegrino Pompelmo, don't use Fresca)
Grapefruit wedge or mint (for garnish)
Stirrer or spoon
Ice
Instructions
Fill a 10-12 oz. Collins glass (taller, skinnier glass) with ice. Combine the tequila or mezcal, lime juice, and pinch of salt in a shaker. Top with ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into your glass over the fresh ice. Top with grapefruit soda and lightly blend with the cocktail. For example, push the stirrer/spoon from the top of the glass to the bottom and back out again a few times. You want to mix the liquids without releasing all the carbonation from the soda.
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge, or a sprig of mint if you're feeling fancy.
