
The Paloma’s origins are hazy. Some attribute an 1869 folk song to its creation, but it was the addition of Squirt, a US-made grapefruit soda that reached Mexican shores in the 1930s, that gave it the refreshing flavour we know today.
With its blend of Mexican tequila and US-made soda, the Paloma is more than just a cocktail: it’s a fusion of two cultures, and it wouldn’t exist without one or the other. In the spirit of Paloma’s shapeshifting heritage, here are 5 twists on the classic.
Tequila, grapefruit, tonic. A laid-back Paloma that requires beach-bum levels of energy to construct. Tonic instead of the grapefruit soda adds a quinine kick that brings out the citrus notes in Jose Cuervo Tradicional Plata, our award-winning 100% blue agave tequila. This one’s best served ice-cold, so store all your components in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before pouring.
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Grapefruit juice and vanilla syrup bring out those same flavours in 1800 Cristalino, a crystal clear añejo tequila finished in port wine casks. It’s a sophisticated version of the classic that’s perfect for wowing friends, with bubbles and rich vanilla adding a luxurious edge. It’s undeniably more labour-intensive than the original, but so worth it.
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Hot days demand refreshing drinks, and this one fits the bill. Plus, it’s easy to make – ideal for when you have thirsty friends over. Tangy grapefruit and lime pack a punch, which is why we add the salt: it curbs cheek-sucking sourness while elevating floral, zesty notes.
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Made for summer evenings, this refreshing riff on the classic adds tart lime juice and tangy salt to the mix. It may lose its claim to being ‘the lazy man’s margarita’ with the addition of the latter, but when it tastes this good, do you really care? This is thirst-quenching perfection with a boozy kick.
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This beautifully balanced drink adds glitz to any gathering, thanks to the addition of bubbles and silver shimmer. Impressive? Yes. But forget mixology lessons and dry ice – it’s deceptively simple to make. Flavour-wise, it’s a crowd-pleaser, with grapefruit and lime elevating the citrus notes in 1800 Cristalino, a crystal-clear tequila that has the depth of an añejo with the smoothness of a blanco.
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