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This Strawberry Paloma cocktail takes Mexico’s national cocktail to the next level with an infusion of fresh strawberries. Make use of summer’s best berries for your next happy hour!
Meggan’s notes
I’ve been to Mexico boat-loads of times. And I’m not talking about the sanitized, all-inclusive resort experience. My husband is from Aguascalientes, so when I go there, I’m living, breathing, and drinking like the locals.
We crafted this Strawberry Paloma recipe for our son’s baptism there a few years ago. It was my way of infusing a little “Ina Garten” into the party, but I let the experts create the most authentic version. If you’re looking for a Strawberry Paloma that is true to the spirit of Mexico, this is it!
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Tajin seasoning: Tajin is a mild chili powder with a bright lime flavor that tastes great with cocktails. Or, try regular chili powder, ancho chile powder, paprika, or even cayenne pepper (if you love the heat).
- Tequila: Tequila blanco is lighter in body and perfect for making cocktails like this one. Tequila reposado (which means “rested” and is aged in oak for at least 2 months) is ideal for sipping.
- Grapefruit soda: Mexicans usually use Squirt or Fresca (their Fresca is different! It’s not sugar-free!). If you want something made without corn syrup, look for Jarritos or Izze brand grapefruit sodas. Ginger beer works too.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a shallow dish as wide as a lowball glass, add Tajin. Squeeze or brush some lime juice onto the side or rim of a glass, then dip into the Tajin and turn to coat.
- In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Add tequila and lime juice, then fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into the rimmed cocktail glass.
- Top with grapefruit soda, and garnish with a strawberry and a lime wedge.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: This recipe makes 1 cocktail.
- Garnishes: Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a whole strawberry, a lime slice, or some fresh mint sprigs.
- All juice: Skip the fizz and do 4 ounces of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice instead of soda.
- Mezcal Paloma: All tequilas are a kind of mezcal, but not all mezcals are tequilas. Substitute Mezcal for the tequila if you are looking for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Cantarito: Add ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) orange juice with the lime juice.
- Greyhound: Substitute gin or vodka for the tequila and substitute fresh grapefruit juice for the grapefruit soda.
- Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add simple syrup to taste. Just combine equal parts water and sugar and stir together in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved. Do not boil. You could also add honey to taste.
- Big batch: To make a batch of 12 cocktails, in a large pitcher filled with ice, add 24 ounces (3 cups) tequila and 6 ounces (¾ cup) lime juice. Carefully stir in 48 ounces (6 cups) grapefruit soda. Have ice, glassware, salt, and grapefruit wedges on hand so guests can help themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paloma means “dove” in Spanish, and this cocktail may be named after a song from the 1860’s called “La Paloma.” The exact origin isn’t known, however.
A classic Paloma has the crisp and refreshing flavors of grapefruit and lime.
Tequila blanco (white) is lighter in body and perfect for making cocktails like this one. Tequila reposado (rested and aged) is ideal for sipping. But really, you can use whatever kind of tequila you prefer.
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Strawberry Paloma
Ingredients
For the Tajin rim:
- lime juice
- Tajin seasoning for rimming the glass (see note 1)
For the paloma:
- 2 strawberries hulled and coarsely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 ounces tequila (¼ cup, see note 2)
- 1/2 ounce lime juice (1 tablespoon) plus more for rimming the glass
- Ice
- 2 ounces grapefruit soda or to taste (see note 3)
Instructions
- In a shallow dish as wide as a lowball glass, add Tajin. Squeeze or brush some lime juice onto the side or rim of a glass, then dip into the Tajin and turn to coat.
- In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries. Add tequila and lime juice, then fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into the rimmed cocktail glass, top with grapefruit soda, and garnish with a strawberry.
Notes
- Tajin seasoning: Tajin is a mild chili powder with a bright lime flavor that tastes great with cocktails. Or, try regular chili powder, ancho chile powder, paprika, or even cayenne pepper (if you love the heat).
- Tequila: Tequila blanco is lighter in body and perfect for making cocktails like this one. Tequila reposado (which means “rested” and is aged in oak for at least 2 months) is ideal for sipping.
- Grapefruit soda: Mexicans usually use Squirt or Fresca (their Fresca is different! It’s not sugar-free!). If you want something made without corn syrup, look for Jarritos or Izze brand grapefruit sodas.
- Yield: This recipe makes 1 cocktail.
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
This makes a GREAT signature cocktail at your next party or event.
Thank you, Bryce! It absolutely would! ๐ – Meggan