Paloma Meets Desserts: A Citrus-Inspired Affair For Summer Evenings
The paloma cocktail has a long history. It can be traced back to 20th century Mexico where the drink was first brought together as a mix of cola and tequila. Overtime, bartenders in Mexican regions familiar with the flavours of the spirit produced in this territory came up with a tequila-based cocktail that essentially brought together the liquor with grapefruit soda and lime in a sophisticated and well-balanced mix of ingredients.
Today, a paloma cocktail can be served at a sundowner or at an evening gathering by bringing together 30 ml Don Julio Blanco Tequila or any other premium tequila of choice with about 1 tablespoon lime juice, a pinch of salt and 60 ml grapefruit soda. This tropical mix complete with fruity and tangy flavours is an excellent pairing with a number of sweet treats which compliment its acidic, tart and sweet tasting notes.
Read on below to know more about some of the desserts that can be coupled with palomas for a citrus-inspired affair at summertime dinner parties:
Honey-Lime Panna Cotta
One of the more interesting citrus-infused desserts that can be paired with a tangy and tart paloma is a honey-lime panna cotta. This subtly sweet offering accentuated by the acidity of fresh limes and a dash of honey carries a fruity and floral effect that goes well with the citrus qualities of the cocktail. Garnish this dessert with a candied peel or grapefruit zest which compliments the lightly creamy notes of the sweet treat that can be served alongside a brightly coloured paloma blend at a tiki party.
Mango Sorbet Or Granita
Another fruity number which is an excellent pairing with palomas is a chilled mango sorbet which rather rhymes with the season’s notes. This cool dessert is one of the finest alternatives to serve on warm summer evenings and dinners featuring seasonal, tropical spreads. A scoop of mango sorbet or a freshly made mango granita can be garnished with small pieces of the ripe fruit that would bring a chewy texture into the sweet dish. The tropical notes of this dessert would then resonate with the similar tangy and fruity qualities of the paloma.
Chili-Infused Dark Chocolate Truffles
Dark chocolate truffles have over time become rather intriguing dessert options because of their subtle sweetness and their ability to pair with a number of other diverse flavour notes. Infusing these truffles with chillies introduces a spicy touch into the dessert which can pair well with the contrasting tart and acidic notes of the paloma cocktail finished off with a splash of tangy grapefruit soda. Moreover, dark chocolate is also a great pairing with tequila blanco because its tart and earthy note compliments the similar flavour of this spirit, which further contributes to making this an interesting dessert and cocktail coupling.
Coconut Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake, essentially a sponge cake made with three kinds of milk, is a very creamy and rich dessert which can be served after a luxurious dinner. One of the variations of this cake involves lending it a tropical touch in the form of a coconut milk or cream infusion that brings subtle earthy and nutty notes into it. Such a dessert can be paired with the tropical paloma cocktail to offset some of the more pronounced citrusy and sharp notes of the blend. A light grapefruit glaze on top of the cake lends a more harmonious touch to this pairing.
Pink Peppercorn Shortbread
A mix of sweet and spicy flavours, a pink peppercorn shortbread becomes a contrasting flavour that undercuts some of the edgier and tangier notes in the paloma. The buttery effect of the shortbread tones down some of the crispy qualities of the drink to bring together opposing flavours in a unified blend of creamy, rich, sweet and tangy tasting notes.
Also Read: Paloma Cocktail: 5 Mexican Dishes To Pair With The Classic Drink
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
