The Paloma Cocktail: One of Mexico’s Most Beloved Cocktails and its Simplest Recipe

When it comes to classic Mexican cocktails, the Margarita often steals the spotlight here in the ole U.S. of A, but in Mexico, the Paloma reigns supreme. Without a doubt, this is the go-to drink for many Mexicans. In fact, this tequila-based gem is so beloved, it’s often considered the national cocktail. While there’s no official declaration, the Paloma’s appeal is universal, and Mexicans just love it—it’s the unofficial official drink of the country. Increasingly, this refreshing, citrusy drink has gained popularity north of the border, and while you can find all sorts of fancy variations, there is only one OG way to enjoy the drink.

The Classic Paloma Recipe

We thought about creating a fancy variation and sharing it here, but there is really only one way to prepare a true Paloma, and that’s with Squirt grapefruit soda. While you may substitute it with Jarritos, Fever-Tree, or even fresh grapefruit juice mixed with seltzer, for many Mexicans, Squirt is the only way to make a Paloma.

Ingredients

Squirt grapefruit soda
2 oz tequila (preferably blanco, but some swear by reposado)
1/2 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Lime wedge and a salt rim for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Glass: If you’d like, rim a highball glass with salt. To do this, rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip it into a plate of salt.
Pour in the tequila and lime juice into the prepared glass.
Fill the rest of the glass with grapefruit soda, no measurement needed.
Stir gently to combine. Garnish with an optional lime wedge.
Note: Every household has it’s own variation, but traditionally you just pour in a shot of your favorite tequila and fill whatever size glass you’re using with ice and Squirt. Even the lime is an add-on.

Variations and Twists

The classic Paloma is super simple and hard to beat, but there are numerous variations you can experiment with it:

Smoky Paloma: Substitute the tequila with mezcal for a smoky flavor.
Spicy Paloma: Use jalapeño infused tequila or add a few slices of jalapeño. Some variations call for adding hot sauce.
Fresh Grapefruit Paloma: Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and club soda for a more natural taste.
Keto Paloma: Try a low-calorie keto friendly option using La Croix Grapefruit Sparkling Water.
Pineapple Paloma: ditch the grapefruit all together, which may be a sin, and use pineapple juice mixed with club soda, giving the drink a tropical twist.

The Rich History of the Paloma

The word “Paloma” means “dove” in Spanish, symbolizing peace and tranquility. Sounds sweet, but since peace and tranquility is usually the opposite of what happens when we drink too much tequila—think fist pumps and Bon Jovi air guitars—we’re betting it’s a mix-up. “Pomelo” is Spanish for grapefruit, much like the drink, and very similar to Paloma.

Like the name, the origins of the Paloma are somewhat murky, but it’s widely believed to have emerged in Mexico in the mid-20th century. Some attribute its creation to the legendary Don Javier Delgado Corona, the owner of La Capilla (The Chapel), a bar in Tequila, Jalisco. It’s not exactly clear that Don Corona created La Paloma, but he is certainly credited with the creation of La Batanga, which is essentially a Cuba Libre that replaces the rum with tequila, adds a pinch of salt, and, most importantly, uses the knife that cut the limes to stir the drink. Sadly, Don Javier Corona has passed, but he has certainly cemented his status in cocktail lore.

Don Javier Delgado Corona, the owner of the famous La Capilla, preparing a Batanga.

One Soda To Rule Them All

Without a doubt, Squirt is the grapefruit soda that’s a staple ingredient in this cocktail. The soda itself was created in Arizona around 1938 and wasn’t exported into Mexico until the mid-1950s. Once Squirt crossed the border, its popularity took off.

In the mid-20th century, Squirt became immensely popular in Mexico. Legend says the Paloma was born out of the serendipitous combination of tequila and Squirt at a family party. Maybe it’s true, maybe not. In the mid-1950s, Squirt was being advertised as a mixer for tequila. Regardless, this mix of Squirt and tequila quickly gained popularity, becoming a beloved cocktail in Mexico.

The Paloma Deserves Your Love

You don’t have to be Mexican to love the Paloma. This refreshing and tangy drink, with a bold shot of tequila followed by a rush of sugar, is perfect for any cocktail enthusiast—plus, it’s damn simple to make. So when you’re getting ready to barbecue this weekend, forget the Margarita, pick up some Squirt, and enjoy yet another simple but perfect tequila cocktail.