Cocktail Of The Week: Sparkling Paloma
THE COCKTAIL: Sparkling Paloma
WHAT IT IS
This cocktail is made using grapefruit juice or grapefruit soda, unlike margaritas which are made using lime juice. A Paloma tends to be less sweet and more tarty than a margarita due to the grapefruit-based ingredient. It is also more effervescent as usually some type of soda or bubbly drink is added to the drink.
WHAT IT'S MADE OF:
Tequila
For this recipe, we are using Don Julio Blanco. However, reposado tequila works well too and you can use Don Julio Reposado
Grapefruit juice
Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is ideal but you can also go with store-bought grapefruit juice.
Simple syrup
You can make simple syrup ahead of time. It is just an equal amount of water and granulated sugar. You can use store-bought simple syrup as well.
Champagne or prosecco
Champagne or prosecco is used to add effervescence to this drink. However, do note that prosecco happens to be a bit sweet.
HOW IT'S MADE:
This cocktail is very easy to make. One needs to simply mix the ingredients in a shaker well and add the garnish. You can rim the glass edges with salt for added colour and flavour
ORIGINS:
Legend has it that Paloma was created by the owner of La Capilla bar Don Javier Delgado Corona. Soon it became Mexico's favourite drink as the locals favour grapefruit-based flavours. It became a rage in the United States thanks to bartender Evan Harrison who introduced the cocktail in his pamphlet, “Popular Cocktails of the Rio Grande."
BEST FOR:
This cocktail is pretty common in Mexico and popular across the world, and it can be had on any occasion when the event calls for a light, rejuvenating drink.
CAN I MAKE IT NON-ALCOHOLIC?
Yes! It's easy to make non-alcoholic Paloma. Just replace the spirit with soda! The drink will taste equally good and refreshing as the cocktail.
THE RECIPE:
--Recipe For Sparkling Paloma
Ingredients
45 ml Don Julio Blanco
30 ml fresh grapefruit juice
30 ml fresh lime juice
15ml sugar syrup
Sparkling water
Lime wheel, for garnish
Method
Take a highball glass and moisten its rim with the lime wheel. Dip the rim in a plate filled with salt. Now fill the glass with ice. Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and sugar syrup. Stir well. Top it up with the sparkling water. Stir the drink a little. The Sparkling Paloma is ready to be served.
-- Recipe for Classic Paloma
Ingredients
45 ml Don Julio Reposado tequila
15 ml fresh lime juice
30 ml fresh grapefruit juice
Agave nectar as needed
Grapefruit peel or lime wedge, for garnish
Method
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Mix Don Julio Reposado, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar in it. Shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into the glass filled with ice. Top it off with grapefruit juice. You can add soda water if you want to have a buzzy feel and flavour. Garnish using grapefruit peel or lime wedge.
While it is perfectly normal to celebrate or relax with a drink, it is important to note that one must not consume alcohol moderately. It is key that you serve and drink responsibly. This goes a long way to keep you healthy and out of harm's way.
