How to make a Paloma

The Paloma, classically served with grapefruit flavoured soda, is possibly the favourite tequila based drink in beautifully arid Mexico. What does it mean? Well literally ‘the dove’, but as far as stories go, nobody can say. All we know is that the bittersweet grapefruit, the salty rim, sour lime and tangy tequila ensures a tastebud sensation.

Ingredients (for 1 drink):

50ml Tequila – we used Sauza Hornitos Tequila
A squeeze of lime
10ml grapefruit juice
Grapefruit for garnishing
Grapefruit soda – we used the Sodastream with grapefruit syrup
Salt (for the rim)
Crushed ice

1. Take your cocktail glass and rub the rim with one of the lime wedges. Dip the rim in a saucer filled with salt. We used one of the beautiful Bormioli Rocco glasses.

2. Now fill the glass with ice and add 50ml of a good quality 100% agave tequila like Sauza Hornitos. You can use any tequila but better quality tequila results in better flavours.
3. Add 10ml of fresh grapefruit juice and a squeeze of lime.

4. Now make your grapefruit soda with your trusty Sodastream. Fill a Sodastream bottle with cold water. Insert this into the Sodastream machine and fizz until you reach the desired level of carbonation.

5. Release the bottle from the machine and add the required amount of Sodastream grapefruit syrup.

6. Add this to your cocktail glass and finish it off with a grapefruit twist. It’s the little things, hey? The essential oils in the skin will really bring the drink to life.

This pretty, pale, pink drink is a true summery delight.

For more cocktail recipes, give these classics a try:

• Cucumber gin and tonic
• Classic mojito
• Peach and ginger bourbon iced tea
• Summer Pimm’s cooler