Paloma

It’s the perfect cocktail to usher in a summer weekend. Crisp, tart notes of citrus from grapefruit and lime are swirled with a glorious tequila, a tinge of simple syrup topped off with a sparkling grapefruit soda to add a touch of effervescence.

I’m often accused of leaning heavy on gin based cocktails, and I’ll admit it’s true that I’m a gin fan. But on occasion another spirit catches my eye. And this drink vies for my attention. Margaritas most often come to mind when we think of tequila, but this cold drink can easily capture one’s attention.

The history is murky, but most believe its roots are from Mexico. Some think the name is inspired by a Mexican folk song from the mid 1800s, La Paloma meaning “The Dove”. It starts with a blend of fresh grapefruit juice and lime juice, a touch of simple syrup, and tequila. To add some bubbly to the mix, it’s topped with a sparkling grapefruit soda.

A tweak or three was made on my end. Some recipes call for sugar in lieu of simple syrup, but I love the way simple syrup blend into a cold drink. The sparkling grapefruit soda fills in for club soda giving it a spectacular color and an extra boost of citrus flavor.

And for the rim of the glass, purists use salt, but the rimming sugar adds a fun sweet to sour touch.

Pour up in a glass rimmed with a touch of rimming sugar for a touch of sweetness and sip away!

Paloma

¼ grapefruit for rimming the edge of the glasses

2 tablespoons rimming sugar*

¼ cup fresh grapefruit juice

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1 teaspoon simple syrup

¼ cup good tequila

Ice

¼ cup sparkling grapefruit soda

Run the grapefruit around the rim of a tall glass. Pour the rimming sugar into a small bowl and run the rim around in the sugar until it’s coated.

Pour in the grapefruit juice, the lime juice, simple syrup, and the tequila. Stir to blend together.

Add ice to the drink leaving room for the sparkling soda.

Top with the sparkling soda and stir to mix.

Makes one cocktail. *You can find rimming sugar in most food markets and online. You can also make your own using raw sugar or a blend of sugar and kosher or sea salt.