In Mexico, the country where it originates, the Paloma is more famous than the Margarita. It’s typically served over plenty of ice in a tall Tom Collins glass, with the rim salted. The drink is made with tequila and a pink grapefruit soda — hence its pink hue. It offers a refreshing, well-balanced flavor and is one of the classic cocktails of summer.

The Paloma, which means “dove” in Greek, was once a drink few people knew or considered a bit snobbish. However, it has now become one of the favorite cocktails. Its cooling profile, balanced acidity that plays with the sweetness of the soda, and the bubbles that tickle the palate with each sip give the Paloma a playful and delightful character.

The Story of the Paloma Cocktail

There are many stories about how the Paloma was first created, as is often the case with so-called “classic” cocktails. However, it is widely believed that its “father” is Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of the legendary La Capilla bar in Tequila, central Mexico. He is said to have had the idea to mix tequila with a grapefruit-flavored soda and to add salt to the rim of the glass to balance the flavors.

Initially, the Paloma was clear and not pink, because the soda used in Latin America was colorless. The change to its pink color outside of Mexico has a different story, which makes sense when you consider the availability of grapefruit soda. Until a few years ago, it was difficult to find grapefruit-flavored soda outside Mexico, as exports were costly and demand was low.

Many bartenders, in an effort to recreate the cocktail, substituted soda with fresh pink grapefruit juice, sugar, and lime, shaken together with tequila. This is how the soft pink hue came about.

What was missing from the original recipe was the carbonation, which made the drink lively. This “problem” was solved by a group of Greek bartenders—Three Cents—who, after numerous experiments, created the first grapefruit soda outside Mexico. Today, many brands produce grapefruit-flavored sodas, each with its own character.

As previously mentioned, the spirit used in the classic Paloma recipe is tequila. Many bartenders believe that the cocktail reveals the calm, gentle side of agave spirits, making it ideal for introducing someone to the world of tequila.

Of course, mezcal—the second spirit made from agave—is also used in variations of the Paloma. Mezcal gives the drink a smokier, more assertive profile. However, it’s usually difficult to find mezcal standing alone as the sole alcohol base; more often, the cocktail blends tequila and mezcal to achieve balance and avoid an overly aggressive flavor.

Classic Paloma Recipe

• 50 ml Tequila
• 10 ml Lime juice
• 1 Three Cents Pink Grapefruit Soda
• Salt
• A slice of pink grapefruit for garnish

Preparation

Rub the rim of a tall glass with a slice of grapefruit, then dip it into salt to coat the rim. Fill the glass with ice, add the tequila and lime juice, then top with the grapefruit soda. Garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit and serve.

Enjoy the refreshing, pink summer delight that is the Paloma!