Classic Paloma: The Traditional Recipe

Why the Paloma Is Mexico’s Most Popular Tequila Cocktail

Have you ever pondered what makes the classic Paloma recipe so cherished in Mexico? Whilst any proficient bartender can prepare a flawless margarita, this invigorating tequila cocktail remains unrivalled in tequila’s birthplace, despite having long existed in the shadow of its more celebrated counterpart in the States.

At Olmeca Altos, we’re presenting you with the genuine tequila Paloma recipe—straightforward, delightful, and faithful to its Mexican heritage. This adaptable cocktail has inspired numerous variations across the globe, but we believe in respecting the traditional version that has enchanted palates for generations.

Why the Paloma Is Gaining Popularity in the United States

The tide is turning, and the Paloma is at last receiving the acclaim it warrants in America. What renders this beverage particularly attractive is its approachability—grapefruit, the cocktail’s signature ingredient, is amongst the most cultivated fruits on American soil.

Whether you favour freshly pressed grapefruit juice or choose the practicality of a quality pink grapefruit fizzy drink, this cocktail produces outstanding results.

As internationally acclaimed bartender Dré Masso observes: “Remarkably, the Paloma is Mexico’s most beloved cocktail, not the Margarita as I initially assumed. More often than not, it’s prepared with a tinned or bottled sparkling beverage which comprises grapefruit, lemon, sugar, and soda.”

Paloma Flavour Profile

The Paloma drink assembles the ideal harmony of flavours: sharp citrus grapefruit, sweet agave syrup, zesty lemon, and a spicy-saline rim that produces a genuine explosion of taste. Prepared to uncover why this authentic Mexican tequila concoction deserves a spot in your collection?

For those intrigued by the nutritional composition of this refreshing cocktail, have a look at our comprehensive Paloma nutrition facts guide to make well-informed decisions about your favourite tequila beverage.

Now that you understand the step-by-step method, watch this video to see how seamlessly this scrumptious and authentic Mexican Paloma comes together. You’ll observe how the straightforward, everyday household ingredients we’ve detailed transform into an exceptionally refreshing cocktail.

 

What Type of Tequila for Paloma Cocktails Works Best?

The foundation of any cocktail worldwide is, naturally, the spirit. To properly savour a quality Paloma tequila drink, you need to select wisely. Which type of tequila appeals to you? Silver, Reposado or Añejo? If you’re unfamiliar with tequila terminology, here’s a quick breakdown:

• Plata tequila, also known as Blanco, Silver or White, never encounters the interior of an oak cask. It’s the purest representation of agave’s inherent flavours. This robust character is what makes silver tequila excellent in cocktails, as it can accommodate any mixer you pair it with.
• Reposado, also called Rested or Aged, rests in the cask for between two months and twelve months, enabling it to develop a distinctive character.
• Añejo, conversely, remains in the cask for one to three years. This additional period intensifies the flavour, notes and colour, yielding a more complex taste.

For the ideal Paloma drink, we favour using a premium quality Blanco tequila (100% agave).

Expert Tips for the Crafted Paloma Mix

Perfecting the Paloma tequila drink extends beyond following a simple recipe—these professional pointers will take your cocktail skills to the next level.

The alcohol potency of your Paloma cocktail depends significantly on your grapefruit-to-tequila proportion, so begin with a modest amount of grapefruit and modify gradually to find your ideal equilibrium.

Whilst the conventional recipe requires grapefruit soda, numerous seasoned bartenders are progressively opting for fresh grapefruit juice for its bright, pure flavour. If you favour the fresh method, accompany your grapefruit juice with plain sparkling water to preserve that vital fizzy quality.

For a sophisticated presentation, consider your garnishing approach thoughtfully. Pour a dash of pink grapefruit juice atop your glass for additional colour and sweetness, then drop in a lemon wedge and give it a squeeze over the drink to release its natural oils and juices.

Although grapefruit and lemon slices are discretionary, they create a visually striking garnish that elevates both the drink’s appearance and fragrance.

How to Make Paloma Cocktails for a Crowd: Batch Recipe

Organising a gathering or entertaining mates? This large-batch Paloma recipe removes the uncertainty from cocktail preparation, enabling you to serve authentic Mexican cocktails to a group without missing out on the enjoyment. The ingredients for 8-10 people are:

• 480 ml / 16 parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
• 240 ml / 8 parts of grapefruit soda (grapefruit juice and sparkling water)
• 240 ml / 8 parts of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 120 ml / 4 parts of agave or simple syrup

Combine the tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup in a generous pitcher or drinks dispenser. Mix thoroughly to ensure all components are well incorporated. This base can be prepared up to 4 hours beforehand and kept chilled in the fridge.

When you’re ready to serve, prepare your glasses by rimming with salt and filling with ice. Pour the tequila mixture into each glass, filling roughly 2/3 full, then top up with grapefruit soda or soda water. Stir delicately and garnish with grapefruit and lime wedges.

This recipe scales beautifully—simply multiply the proportions by your guest count and adjust sweetness to preference before adding the sparkling element.

The Origins of the Paloma Cocktail: A Mexican Legend

The cherished Paloma cocktail has a rich history grounded in genuine Mexican tradition. This iconic tequila drink originated at La Capilla (Spanish for “The Chapel”), where it was initially created by the legendary Don Javier Delgado.

From its modest beginnings in this fittingly named establishment, the Paloma has captured hearts throughout Mexico and across the globe, becoming the nation’s most treasured tequila blend. Don Javier’s original creation represents far more than simply a beverage—it’s a tribute to Mexican innovation and the perfect union of local ingredients that has endured through the ages.

Easy Paloma Variations: Creative Twists on a Classic

Whilst the traditional Paloma recipe is flawless in its straightforwardness, the cocktail’s adaptability makes it an excellent foundation for inventive experimentation. These innovative variations preserve the spirit of the classic Mexican cocktail whilst introducing thrilling flavour profiles that appeal to different tastes and settings.

Strawberry Ginger Paloma

If you’re keen on strawberries, this simple strawberry Paloma recipe will become a go-to favourite! To prepare this refreshing take on the classic, start by squeezing fresh grapefruit juice into a generous bowl.

Add the ginger beer, tequila, and fresh strawberries to the blend, allowing the strawberries to steep for at least five minutes to infuse their natural sweetness into the beverage.

Next, muddle the strawberries carefully to extract their juices, then pour the complete liquid mixture into glasses filled with ice. For a more refined presentation, you can strain the mixture to eliminate the fruit pieces before serving.

Finish your strawberry ginger Paloma drink with garnishes such as fresh strawberry slices, fragrant rosemary, thyme, mint sprigs, or traditional lime slices for an elegant final flourish.

Jolly Merry Holiday

This Jolly Merry cocktail makes the festive season truly magical. With merely tequila, grapefruit juice and dry sparkling wine on top, you’ll have a delightful drink to bring the holiday spirit to the table.

Ideal for Christmas gatherings and New Year’s Eve festivities, this sophisticated variation enhances the traditional Paloma with refined bubbles and seasonal charm. The sparkling wine complements the citrus sharpness whilst creating an elegant drinking experience that bridges casual cocktail and celebratory beverage.

Garnish with a grapefruit peel twist and fresh rosemary sprig for an aromatic festive touch.

Sparkling Paloma

Discover this delicious sparkling Paloma recipe that introduces an additional layer of effervescence to the traditional cocktail.

Begin by combining 60ml of Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila with 15ml of agave honey and 15ml of fresh lemon or lime juice in a highball glass.

Add 3 cents of pink grapefruit soda along with a pinch of salt, then stir gently to dissolve all components and ensure thorough mixing. Top up the tequila blend with additional soda if preferred, then serve in glasses filled with ice. Garnish according to your liking and savour this enhanced version of the classic Paloma.

You can also explore other imaginative Paloma variations with our finest cocktail recipes. Whilst the Paloma drink is invariably an excellent choice, there are limitless possibilities when it comes to letting your creativity flourish with this versatile cocktail foundation.

You can also sample other versions of Paloma cocktails created by our bartender Dre Masso:

Olmeca Altos Plata for a Truly Authentic Recipe

To create a truly classic Paloma, you need to use Altos Plata tequila. Why? For starters, Altos Plata is crafted in the heart of Jalisco, Mexico—the birthplace of the Paloma. This gives it an authentic connection to the cocktail’s origins, ensuring a genuine experience.

But that’s not all. This is a premium tequila, carefully crafted by master tequila makers. Made exclusively from the finest 100% blue agave, it’s the ideal choice for a cocktail like the Paloma, where balanced and harmonious flavours are key.