On our recent Texas trip, we discovered the most incredible drink called The Paloma. We were out one night, while in Austin and I asked the bartender if he could make me a margarita. He said “Yes, but it will be shit. We only have sweet and sour syrup and it’s not good. Let me make you a drink that you will love.” I was, of course, appreciative and agreed. I watched as he mixed blanco tequila, pink grapefruit juice, soda water, and squeezed in fresh lime. He didn’t give it a name after he handed it to me, but I tasted it and was quite happy. A friend later told me that it was called a Paloma. We were hooked and here’s why:
Reason one: blanco tequila (100% agave) does not give you a hangover. I repeat, it does not give you a hangover. At least, in our experience it did not, and let me tell you, there was a lot of blanco tequila consumed on our trip.
Reason two: it’s quite possibly the easiest drink to make. Yes, you can impress you friends at your next get together.
Reason three: It’s refreshing, delicious, and pink, and it reminds me of Dr. Seuss—”The ink he likes to drink is pink. He likes to wink and drink pink ink.”
Reason four: 15 more reasons why tequila is good for you.
So here’s the recipe for The Paloma, my current drink of choice, plus a little Marfa-found addition that makes it ever better!
You will need:
100% agave blanco tequila. We prefer Espolon
pink grapefruit juice
soda/sparkling water
fresh lime
hibiscus rose bitters (optional)
ice
I have become quite the pro-Paloma maker, so I just eyeball, but here is my best approximate ratio. Mix 1 part tequila, 1 part grapefruit juice, and two parts soda water. Top with a nice squeeze of fresh lime and add a few drops of hibiscus rose bitters. Stir and serve on the rocks. Garnish with a lime wedge if you’re feeling fancy.
