Shake up the traditional paloma cocktail with a simple fruit swap

The traditional paloma cocktail is often a favorite on a warm sunny day. The combination of grapefruit juice and sparkling water can be refreshing. From that sweet tartness to a touch of effervescence, the reality is that it is a delightful swap for another sour cocktail. With a fruit juice swap, the traditional paloma cocktail can get an easy upgrade.

Generally, a traditional paloma cocktail combines tequila, grapefruit juice, lime, and a sparkling water. While it can be a refreshing sip on a warm day or an alternative to a mimosa at brunch, the citrus notes are often front and center.

Since the cocktail is relatively simple, it might be best to use a quality tequila in the glass. In this recipe from Patron, it uses the Reposado. The slightly aged tequila has a more robust flavor. Since some reposado tequilas has a slightly oaky note, it is balanced by the brightness from the citrus. It makes for a more enjoyable cocktail.

With this traditional paloma cocktail from Patron, it is a recipe to keep for any and every occasion.

Perfect Paloma

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Patrón Reposado
• 3 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
• .5 oz Agave syrup (1:1)
• .5 oz Fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 1 oz Sparkling water
• Sugar and salt for rimming
• Grapefruit wedge for garnish

Method

• Combine all ingredients except sparkling water in a shaker tin and shake with ice to chill. Strain onto fresh ice in a sugar and salt rimmed collins glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

While grapefruit is using the fruit in a paloma, switching that ingredient can change the drinking experience. In this recipe from Cazadores, the combination of pomegranate with elderflower hits a sweet and tart note. Although slightly floral, it is quite refreshing. Plus, by using a grapefruit soda, it hits that classic flavor in a subtle way. For anyone who likes the idea of a fruit forward tequila cocktail but prefers a subtle tartness, this cocktail might be a good choice.

Pomegranate Paloma

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz CAZADORES Blanco
• 1/2 oz ST-GERMAIN elderflower liqueur
• 2 oz pomegranate Juice
• Grapefruit Soda
• Lime Juice
• Salt

Method

• Add ice to a highball glass. Pour ingredients into highball glass. Garnish with lime juice.

While this twist changes the fruit forward flavor, the traditional paloma continues to be a favorite. Whether or not it is more popular than a margarita can be debated. From a simple version, a spicy option, or even something totally different, it is a cocktail that deserves a second sip.