The Perfect Paloma Cocktail

Refreshing, easy to make and easy to drink!  The Perfect Paloma Cocktail is a tequila based cocktail mixed with fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice and sparkling water.  

When you think of traditional Mexican inspired cocktails, margaritas are the first drink that comes to mind.  Trust me, I love a good margarita, but the Paloma Cocktail is quickly winning me over.  The fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice and sparkling water makes the Paloma one of the most refreshing, simple and flavorful cocktails.  It is not sweet and it is not to tart;  there is no added sweetener to this drink, just simple and pure ingredients.

Ingredients to make The Perfect Paloma

Grapefruit Juice
The grapefruit juice adds so many wonderful features to The Perfect Paloma.  The sweet and tart flavor of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, I love the texture that the fresh fruit pulp brings to the drink and it makes the most beautiful blush color.  You can absolutely use store bought grapefruit juice if you are not able to get fresh grapefruit, but make sure that there is no sugar or other ingredients added to the juice that you buy, this could change the flavor.

Lime Juice
Same as the grapefruit juice, I prefer fresh squeezed lime juice.  It is hard to compare a bottled lime juice to fresh squeezed and since you only need 1 ounce, grab a few limes at the grocery store and keep them in your fridge for a last minutes Paloma Cocktail night.

Tequila
The quality of tequila you use in this cocktail is pretty important since the flavors are so pure, you will taste a bad quality tequila.  You definitely don’t need the best, but good quality is key.  A few of our favorites; Codigo, Clasaazul, Casamigos.

Sparkling Mineral Water
Sparkling mineral water is the last ingredient poured into the glass to top it off, but let me tell you, this makes it so good.  I will say we are pretty partial to Topo Chico but club soda can also be used.  Topo Chico seems to have the perfect bubble that finishes these off so well!

Salted Rim
A classic salted rim really takes the Paloma to another level, I can’t live without it.  The salt with the grapefruit and lime juice really makes it special.  Course sea salt is perfect to garnish the glass, but if you want to add some heat, add Chili Lime Salt from Trader Joes or you can make your own chili salt.  Chili Salt is equal amounts of course sea salt and chili powder mixed together.

Watch how to make The Perfect Paloma

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