La Paloma
July 06, 2012
This spring I discovered a new-to-me cocktail: La Paloma. I ordered one at a local restaurant and immediately knew that I wanted to try to recreate it at home. After a little googling and some discussions with multiple bartenders on our trip to New York plus some good old fashioned taste testing, I've zeroed in on a great version to make at home.
La Paloma has a tequila base and most often has lime juice plus a grapefruit soda. The first one I had was tequila, pink grapefruit juice, lime juice and tonic and I loved it. I tried this mix at home and the results were refreshing, but only so-so. The next one I had at another local bar was tequila, lime juice and Ale81 (a local soda, similar to Squirt). It was great! In New York, I had one with grapefruit juice, lime juice and soda - good, too. Emily had been making hers with grapefruit Izze, lime juice and a splash of soda. Jarritos is the traditional soda used south of the border. If you can get your hands on that, it might be worth a try. I couldn't find any locally so I went with San Pellegrino's Pompelmo. It is refreshing, grapefruity without being too sweet. Perfect for my taste. And while I have seen recipes that call for a salted rim on the glass, none of the ones I ordered in bars came that way and I like it fine without the salt. Below is my recipe.
Erin's La Paloma - Makes 1
2 oz. silver agave tequila (I like Dulce Vida)
2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice (1 to 2 limes)
4 oz. San Pellegrino Pompelmo soda
Mix tequila and lime juice. Pour into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with San Pellegrino grapefruit soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Happy weekending to you all. Cheers!
Adding this recipe and that tequila (that I've never seen 'round here) to the top of my must-drink-soon list! Have a good weekend!
Posted by: kristen | July 06, 2012 at 02:25 PM
Yum! I'm going to need to try this one. Thanks for the recipe.
Happy weekend to you as well!
Posted by: Michele H. | July 06, 2012 at 02:27 PM
Oh, that looks yummy! Thanks for sharing :D
Posted by: Freedom | July 06, 2012 at 02:41 PM
A Paloma?
What a pretty name,
and it sounds refreshing.
Thank you for sharing your recipe
and all the variations.
Posted by: Natalie, the Chickenblogger | July 06, 2012 at 03:25 PM
I have family coming into town this weekend and Palomas and guac will be perfect!
Posted by: Kristin | July 06, 2012 at 03:26 PM
after seeing the buzz on twitter, i've been planning to try this out this weekend - your timing is perfect!! thanks, erin. your margarita recipe is my favorite, so i have no doubt that this is going to be fabulous.
Posted by: beki | July 06, 2012 at 03:38 PM
I love a well-mixed Paloma--the perfect summer drink. I didn't realize you were so close, but if Ale 8 is a local drink, then I have a real good idea where you must be. Love your blog!
Posted by: Iowa Expat | July 06, 2012 at 05:22 PM
We have tons of limes right now, and if my watch is correct, happy hour begins in exactly nine minutes! : )
Posted by: Erin Whittemore | July 06, 2012 at 05:52 PM
That sounds so good - wonder if we can get fizzy grapefruit here....
Posted by: domesticali | July 06, 2012 at 07:01 PM
Ooooh, any drink with Ale 8 is good. Also I have seen Jarritos at the Goss Ave Kroger. And they have the Mexi-cokes in green glass bottles!
Posted by: Sarah Cosper | July 06, 2012 at 09:21 PM
I didn't even know San Pellegrino made a grapefruit drink! Yum!
Posted by: Annalia | July 07, 2012 at 12:46 AM
Yum! Thanks for the recipe....I love lime and grapefruit. Definitely going to try it.
Posted by: Jamie | July 07, 2012 at 11:08 AM
I'm going to try this. Maybe it will get me over my "thing" with tequila.
Posted by: jane | July 07, 2012 at 02:10 PM
I also recently tried a la paloma at a restaurant and loved it. I have been wanting to try it at home...thanks for the recipe! (and saving me from trial and error)
Posted by: Merrill | July 07, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Ooh, I will be trying this as soon as I'm done with this cleanse I'm on. I'm not big on too much sweet in my drinks either -- so this sounds good!
Posted by: amy h | July 07, 2012 at 10:17 PM
so i have been adding salt to ours. not on the rim, but in the cocktail, and i love the little kick it gives the drink. works great with the izze pink grapefruit soda, but don't know it it would be with this one. i'm going to have to try it! xo.
Posted by: emily | July 08, 2012 at 04:59 PM
Are you bringing the ingredients to SC? I need to try it looks so tasty!
Posted by: Nolan | July 10, 2012 at 04:17 PM
I have to second Emily on the salt. Just a pinch in the cocktail takes it from good to just what summer called for. Definitely my favorite drink of the summer.
Posted by: TrishO | July 10, 2012 at 05:52 PM
You always have the best summer drink ideas! I especially love this one as the Pelligrino is my fav. I'm still trying to make room in my freezer for the tub-o-margarita idea :)
Posted by: Maryellen | July 24, 2012 at 09:41 PM
Wow, that drink is so tasty and fantastic! The La Paloma has become our new summer drink, alternating with Dark & Stormys of course. Thanks!
Posted by: Cay | July 26, 2012 at 08:47 PM