Chances are, if you’re like me, you have a bottle of tequila languishing in a cabinet somewhere left over from your last Cinco de Mayo party. Although tequila shots with the girls are fun every now and again, sometimes it’s even better to mix it up and try something new. You’ll only need a few ingredients and a few minutes to make THE PALOMA, a refreshing and delicious tequila cocktail that tastes almost like a sparkling margarita, with a great sweet-to-tart ratio.

Ingredients:

• Ice
• 1 ½ ounces tequila (about one standard shot glass full)
• The juice from ½ of a lime
• Pinch of coarse salt, optional
• Grapefruit soda*
• Extra lime wedges or slices, optional, for garnish

Directions:

• Fill your glass with ice
• Add tequila and lime juice (You can add in a pinch of coarse salt if you like)
• Top with soda
• Garnish, if desired, with a lime slice or wedge

You can use any glass from 8 to 12 oz, and easily double the tequila, lime, or add more or less soda to fit your preference. If your glass is on the larger side, I would definitely use two shots. This style of drink is usually served in a Collins glass, which is a tall, narrow style. Here’s some of our favorites:

 Tossa Collins Glasses, Set of 6

Mid-Century Silver Rimmed Tumblers, Set of 6

Carley Pink Highball Glass

And then add these, the cutest coasters ever, for any glass you have

*Traditionally this recipe uses Jarritos, the Mexican soda, which comes in a grapefruit flavor, and which you can find at some bodegas. Trader Joe’s also carries a decent grapefruit soda, and there’s a grapefruit flavored Izze. Some recipes even call for Fresca or Sprite, if you’re desperate.

LESSONS IN TEQUILA, FROM JO:

There are two things you should know before you buy your next bottle of tequila:

1) There’s three basic types of tequila: blanco, reposado, and añejo. Blanco tequila is white or silver – clear in color and unaged, and flavors varying a lot depending on where the agave is grown. Blanco is fine for most cocktail recipes, including the Paloma. Reposado tequila has been aged in an oak barrel for 2 to 12 months, and tastes a bit more smoky and mellow than a Blanco. It’s traditionally used for sipping. Añejo tequila has been aged up to three years, tastes almost like cognac, and is the most expensive.

2) Whichever type of tequila you buy, reject any bottle that doesn’t say “100% agave” on the label – no matter the price. Otherwise you’re getting a mixto, which is a mix that usually includes fermented sugarcane. That results in a much cheaper tequila, in price and in taste.

Try out the cocktail and tell us what you think!

– Jo Walker, Intern