Recipe: Paloma Cocktail for Cinco de Mayo

Paloma Cocktail

With the beginning of summer right around the corner, and Cinco de Mayo this Sunday, I wanted to share with you a refreshing favorite of mine! The essence of this Paloma recipe is super simple: fresh grapefruit and lime juices. With the addition of simple syrup (or agave), sparkling soda and tequila, the juices are elevated to a summer drink that I think rivals a classic Margarita! A single batch makes 4 cocktails, and I quadrupled this to make a pitcher for a gathering of friends. I left out the tequila and soda to add on the spot (allowing for some to choose mocktails) and I rimmed the glasses with a mixture of demerara sugar, kosher salt and Tajin chili lime seasoning for an extra kick.

• 1 C grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed (about 2 large grapefruits)
• ¼ C lime juice, freshly squeezed (about 1 large lime)
• 2Tb simple syrup or agave (make ahead and refrigerate)
• 1C white tequila (or adjust to taste)
• 1C club soda or sparkling water
• Optional garnishes, salt, grapefruit slices, lime slices. I used a 50/50 mix of demerara sugar and kosher salt with Tajin chili mine seasoning to taste.
  
  Combine the juices, simple syrup and tequila in a pourable container, stir to mix well, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  When ready to serve: If rimming the glass, wet mouth of glass with lime slice and dip into salt/sugar mixture, then fill 4 glasses with desired amount of ice. Divide the cocktail between the 4 glasses and top with soda and garnish if desired.

Notes: When I quadrupled this recipe for a group, I used 8 grapefruits and 4 limes, juiced. We added the tequila at the time of serving, and it was definitely a little weaker than the recipe indicates. I used Altos tequila in this recipe, which was new to me, and I have to say it was incredibly smooth. I made the simple syrup ahead, using organic cane sugar.