When we think of cocktails to enjoy with our Mexican food in Manchester, our first thought is usually a margarita. While that’s a perfectly good choice, it’s not the only one. The bartenders at Mi Jalsico would like to draw your attention to another refreshing tequila cocktail that pairs beautifully with Mexican food: the Paloma. The Paloma is a delicious combination of tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda with a salted rim. If you enjoy a margarita but would like to expand your tastes, a Paloma is the perfect choice.
Are you looking for a new drink to enjoy with your Mexican food in Manchester? Try a Paloma! Here’s a look at this cocktail’s history and a simple recipe to make one yourself.
A Brief History of the Paloma
We don’t know the exact origins of the Paloma, but it most likely originated in Jalisco, Mexico, in the 1950s. Two bartenders claim to be the first to make this drink. One was Delgadi Corona, who ran the La Capilla bar in Tequila, Jalisco. The other was Don Javier, proprietor of the El Tequileño bar in Guadalajara, Jalisco. It’s impossible to know who made it first, and it’s also possible that they had the same idea around the same time.
The Paloma’s name is also something of a mystery. The word paloma means “dove” in Spanish, leading some people to believe it gets its name from a popular Mexican folk song called “La Paloma.” Another explanation is that the name comes from the drink’s whitish color, and so it is named after the white bird.
Regardless of its exact origins, the Paloma quickly became a popular drink in Mexico and eventually spread to other parts of the world. Today, the Paloma is enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts all over the globe.
Paloma Recipe to Try at Home
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces tequila
- 3 ounces of grapefruit soda or a mixture of grapefruit juice and sparkling water
- 1 ounce lime juice
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Salt for rimming the glass
- Ice, crushed or cubes
Instructions
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a highball glass, dip it in salt, and then fill the glass with ice. Measure the tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice and pour them into the glass, stirring gently to combine. Garnish your drink with a lime wedge and enjoy!