Downtown Luxury Slum

Are you here for a Paloma cocktail recipe? Here it is!

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But then do peruse the rest of this post, and prepare to be not only refreshed, but remarkably well-informed.

The Paloma is an elixir that’s equal parts sweet and sour, much like life itself. Its base is tequila, a spirit known for its penchant for trouble. To this, grapefruit juice is added, providing a sour note much like the sour surprises life often brings. And yet, it is sweetened with a splash of soda, a reminder that there is always some good in the world. As the national drink of Mexico, this drink is a reminder that no matter how grim life may seem, there is always a paloma waiting to lift your spirits.

And so, I raise a glass to the Paloma, a cocktail of contradictions that is both refreshing and potent, sweet and tart, light and complex. May it bring you many years of joy and good times.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces blanco tequila
• 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• Grapefruit soda (such as Jarritos)
• A chilled highball glass
• Garnish: lime wheel
• Garnish: kosher salt

If I’m being honest, I get all fancy and use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with a little simple syrup and sparkling water instead of the grapefruit soda. In order to prevent scurvy.

Directions:

1. Rub a lime wedge around the edge of a highball glass, and dip the rim in salt.
2. Add the tequila and lime juice to the glass, and fill with ice.
3. Top with grapefruit soda, and stir briefly and gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Because the Paloma recipe is made right in the glass, you don’t need any special cocktail making tools. That said, here are some glasses that might come in handy for this Paloma recipe.

• I photographed this Paloma recipe in rocks glasses similar to these. But I can also recommend these highball glasses if you’d like to use the recommended type of glass.