Meet Paloma, Margarita’s overshadowed sister

Grapefruit takes center stage in this tequila-based cocktail

Cinco de Mayo, an annual Mexican celebration commemorating the Mexican Army's victory over the French on May 5, 1862 has long become an excuse for Americans to engage in a cocktail or three. The cocktail of choice for us gringos is usually a Margarita, but oddly that cocktail is not Mexico’s most popular tequila-based drink. That honor belongs to the Paloma, which is only just now catching on in the States.

Little is known of the historical origin of the Paloma but folklore ranges from “The Dove,” a popular folk song in the 1860s (which is what Paloma means in Spanish) to an advertisement for the Squirt brand soft drink. The soundest story credits the legendary Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of the famous La Capilla bar in the fittingly-named town of Tequila in Mexico, for creating the cocktail.

Whatever the source, one thing is certain, the Paloma is utterly refreshing despite the fact that it's weaker than a Margarita. But don’t let that turn you off. It just means you can drink a few more while keeping cool in the summer’s heat.

Paloma

2 oz. Tequila

1 ½ oz. freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice

½ oz. freshly squeezed lime

½ oz. agave nectar

Top off with grapefruit soda water such as Topo-Chico, Spindrift or La Croix

Lime or grapefruit wedge

Shake the first four ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour into a glass filled with large ice cubes and top with grapefruit soda and garnish with a slice of grapefruit or lime.