How to Make a Paloma Cocktail
A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting the Ultimate Serve.
Mexico's most beloved tequila cocktail after the Margarita, and arguably the more refreshing of the two. The Paloma is a tall, fruity, highly drinkable serve that pairs the clean, crisp character of Espolòn Blanco Tequila with the natural tartness of fresh grapefruit and lime. Agave syrup keeps the sweetness in balance, while a top of soda water lifts the whole cocktail into something light, dry, and dangerously moreish. A charred take on the classic, finished with a thyme garnish that adds an aromatic, herbaceous edge to this refreshingly dry modern twist. Under 170 calories per serve with no compromise on flavour.
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Base Spirit: Tequila Blanco
Flavour Profile: Citrusy, dry, refreshing, lightly herbal
Glassware: Highball Glass
Occasion: Garden Parties, Summer Gatherings, Dinner Parties, Casual Celebrations
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Ingredients:
50ml Espolòn Blanco Tequila
60ml Fresh Grapefruit Juice
15ml Fresh Lime Juice
10ml Agave Syrup
Soda Water (to top)
Thyme Sprig & Lemon Wheel (garnish)
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How to make:
Prepare your lemon wheel and thyme garnish.
Fill the highball glass with ice.
Add the Espolòn Blanco Tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake hard for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into the prepared highball glass over fresh ice.
Top with soda water and give one gentle stir.
Garnish with a thyme sprig and a lemon wheel.
Serve immediately.
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Allergens:
This recipe does not contain any common allergens.
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Story behind the Serve
The Paloma, meaning "dove" in Spanish, is widely considered Mexico's most popular cocktail, outselling even the Margarita on home soil. Its origins are somewhat debated, but the serve is most commonly attributed to Don Javier Delgado Corona, legendary bartender and owner of La Capilla bar in Tequila, Jalisco, the spiritual home of tequila. Where the Margarita leans on Cointreau and lime for its character, the Paloma builds around grapefruit, creating something taller, lighter, and more refreshing. At under 170 calories per serve, it's also one of the most guilt-free cocktails on the menu, proof that you don't need to sacrifice flavour for something lighter.
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