Picture credit http://www.bonappetit.com/

Did you know the most popular tequila drink in Mexico is NOT the Margarita but the Paloma? The Paloma (Spanish for “dove”, thank you Wikipedia) is a tequila-based cocktail, usually prepared by mixing tequila with a grapefruit-flavored soda and served on the rocks with a lime wedge…

Well, I’m not a soda gal, but I do love fresh grapefruit juice. I was first sold on this cocktail at Pinche Taqueria here in Denver on York & Colfax (they have a killer Happy Hour 3-6pm, and their fresh delicious Palomas are only $3!) and loved it so much I played with the drink at home and came up with my own version (sans soda). I call it La Paloma Fantasía. (the Fancy Paloma)

Note: To Salt or not to Salt…Salt is always optional, but if you’re a salty-type, just rub a grapefruit wedge around the rim of your glass and dip the damp rim in margarita or kosher salt. Also, I don’t believe in exact measurements for cocktails, you should always adjust to your taste…

La Paloma Fantasía

A LARGE chilled glass (I don’t fool around with tiny cocktails)

1/3 cup FRESH-squeezed grapefruit juice (this is crucial in my book)

1-2 Tablespoons FRESH Lime juice

1 Tablespoon Agave

2-3 Ounces Quality Tequila*

A splash-1/2 Ounce Grand Mariner (my secret weapon)

1/4-1/2 Cup Club Soda (or your favorite sparkling water to top off the glass)

Combine all the ingredients except the club soda in a cocktail shaker about half full of ice, shake it up, and pour over a little ice in your large chilled glass, and top with the club soda or sparkling water of your choice. Garnish if you like with a lime wedge, a grapefruit wedge, a sprig of mint or cilantro, whatever tickles your fancy. This refreshing, delicious summer cocktail will become one of your favorites! Use caution, this cocktail is so tasty it’s waaay to easy to drink too many of these 😉

*The quality of your tequila matters. Choose a pure agave tequila for the best taste. If Patron (my favorite) is out of your budget, try Sauza. It’s a good one for the price.

Enjoy your Cinco De Mayo! I’m off to make home-made tortillas to go along with my Paloma Fantasía…

 My Fantasy Cocktail Shaker from Nambe’…