When summer heat starts climbing and taco cravings hit, there’s one refreshing cocktail that deserves a spot next to your plate: the Paloma. Often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, the margarita, the Paloma is a light, citrusy, and incredibly easy-to-make tequila cocktail that pairs perfectly with Mexican food from your favorite NH restaurant.
Here’s why you should pair your Mexican food in NH with a Paloma this summer.
It’s not a popularity contest, but…
While the margarita may be the poster child for tequila drinks in the U.S., the Paloma is actually the more popular choice in Mexico. Its origins are somewhat hazy, but most cocktail historians (yes, that is a job) trace its rise to the mid-20th century, possibly invented by Don Javier Delgado Corona, the legendary bartender at La Capilla in Jalisco. Unlike the margarita, which traditionally uses lime juice and triple sec, the Paloma gets its distinct flavor from grapefruit.
Is it the new drink of summer?
What makes the Paloma so appealing, especially in summer, is its simplicity and balance of sweet, tart, and bitter notes. Where the margarita can be sharp and strong, the Paloma is fizzy and subtly complex, with the bitterness of grapefruit soda (or juice) providing a refreshing contrast to tequila’s earthy bite.
And let’s talk pairings. That citrusy bitterness cuts right through the richness of carnitas, balances the heat of a fiery salsa, and complements the creaminess of guacamole or queso fundido. It’s a match made in flavor heaven.
On the fence? Try it at home first.
Drinks at a bar or restaurant can be pricey, so we understand that you don’t want to order something only to find out you don’t like it. The best way to avoid this problem is to try it at home first. Luckily, the Paloma is a simple drink that’s easy to make yourself. Here’s a recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila (blanco works best)
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- Pinch of salt
- Grapefruit soda (such as Jarritos or Squirt) or grapefruit juice and sparkling water, to top
- Lime wedge and/or grapefruit slice, for garnish
- Extra salt for the rim (optional)
Instructions
Rim a highball glass with salt and then fill it with ice. Add the tequila, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Top with grapefruit soda (or juice and sparkling water) and stir gently. Garnish with lime or grapefruit and enjoy!