The Paloma is the underestimated counterpart to the Margarita – less sweet, more spritzig with a salty note that emphasizes the sharp character of Tequila. Instead of Triple Sec, fresh grapefruit juice is used here, lending the drink a bitter freshness. Perfect for hot days or as an accompaniment to spicy dishes, since the salt resets the palate. Anyone who thinks Tequila is only good for shots will be proven wrong here: Blanco Tequila shows its clear, peppery side.
And this is what you need for the Paloma
60 ml Blanco Tequila
30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
120 ml freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (pink or white)
1 pinch coarse sea salt (for the rim, optional)
Soda water (to taste, approx. 30–50 ml)
Ice cubes
This is what matters
The trick is in the salt: Not only on the rim, but also a pinch directly in the drink. The salt neutralizes the bitter substances in the grapefruit and makes the Tequila smoother. Use *freshly squeezed* grapefruit juice – from the bottle it often tastes metallic or too sweet. If you don’t want to squeeze juice, instead take 100 ml juice and add 20 ml soda water to stretch the acidity. The drink should not be too sweet: The Paloma lives on the balance between salty, bitter and sour.
Variations
- Spicy Paloma — Add 2 slices of fresh jalapeño (with seeds) and let them steep in the Tequila for 1 minute before adding the other ingredients. Remove the slices before serving or leave them as a garnish.
- Paloma Fizz — Replace the soda water with champagne or Prosecco. The drink becomes more elegant but retains its refreshing acidity.
- Mezcaloma — Replace half of the Blanco Tequila with Mezcal. The smoky note surprisingly pairs well with the grapefruit and makes the drink more complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled grapefruit juice instead of fresh?
Yes, but only as a last resort. Bottled juice often contains added sugar and loses freshness through pasteurization. If you use it, reduce the amount to 80 ml and add 40 ml soda water to stretch the acidity.
Why does my Paloma taste so bitter?
Grapefruit juice varies greatly in bitterness – especially white grapefruits are more intense. Try a mix of pink and white juice or add 10 ml agave syrup to balance out the bitterness.
Can I skip the salt rim?
Of course. The salt rim is optional but rounds off the flavor. If you skip it, add a pinch of salt directly into the drink to maintain the balance.
