Spirits Guide
Tequila Recipe
Blood orange paloma
Kick your simple paloma up a notch with this blood orange paloma recipe, a refreshing bubbly, sweet and slightly spicy cocktail perfect for summer.
Time to make: 10 minutesServes: 1
Do you love a bubbly, citrus-y tequila cocktail? The paloma may be right for you. While the classic paloma features grapefruit, you won’t want to miss this variation with blood orange. Read on to learn how to create this blood orange paloma recipe at home.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. Blanco Tequila
- 6 oz. Blood Orange Sparkling Water (or Comparable)
- Chili Lime Seasoning Rim
- Lime Wedge Garnish
- Blood Orange Wedge Garnish
Directions
- Wet the rim of a margarita or rocks glass with lime juice or a lime wedge and dip into a dish with chili lime seasoning.
- Add ice to the rimmed glass and pour in blanco tequila.
- Top with blood orange sparkling water and garnish with blood orange and lime wedges.
In this recipe
What is a paloma?
Light and airy, it’s no surprise this cocktail is named the paloma, or “dove” in Spanish. A favorite in Mexico, the classic paloma is made with tequila, lime and grapefruit soda. A cousin to the margarita, this classic Mexican cocktail is a summery drink known for its tangy lightness. Fresh grapefruit juice rather than grapefruit soda is also a popular choice. In this variation, grapefruit is replaced with blood orange.
What does a blood orange paloma drink taste like?
The paloma is built on the idea of a light, bubbly drink. This blood orange paloma recipe stays true to that initial vision, with some extra bursts of flavor.
Blanco tequila is clear, citrus-y and crisp. A high quality blanco tequila is key to this cocktail. We recommend the pure, premium taste of
,
or
.
Blood orange sparkling water features blood orange flavors, fruity aromas and plenty of bubbles.
Chili lime seasoning on the rim adds tart lime, salt and a little bit of spice, just as delicious as you might imagine fruta con chile y limón.
Variations to customize your blood orange paloma
With such simple ingredients, it’s easy to tweak the paloma into just the right drink for you! Try one or more of these variations.
Keep it classic
Want to stay true to the original paloma? Traditionally, this bubbly refreshment is grapefruit-based and made with just two ingredients — blanco tequila and grapefruit-flavored soda. Swap in flavored sodas or a sparkling water, and this drink tastes just as delicious with a slightly different flavor profile.
Keep it fresh
If you want the freshest taste, use fresh blood orange juice and sparkling water or club soda rather than blood orange sparkling water. This variation works for grapefruit variations, too, although you’ll want to add a dash of sweetness to get the sour taste of grapefruit.
Make your own chili lime
You don’t have to buy this iconic seasoning premade, and there are dozens of ways to create this tasty flavor combo. The simplest chili lime is composed of only salt, chile powder and lime. You can make your own lime powder by zesting limes, leaving the zest to dry for a day or two, then grinding with a pestle. Grind the lime with chili powder and salt and you have your own chili lime powder, ready for drinks and seasoning your food.
Switch up the spirits
The paloma is all about fresh, clean flavors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a version that suits your fancy. Mezcal is an agave-based liquor like tequila (in fact, tequila is a type of mezcal), but it features a smoky flavor. Swap out the blanco tequila for mezcal and experience a smoky blood orange cocktail. Try a high-quality smoky mezcal like Casamigos Mezcal.
If you don’t have blanco tequila on hand, you can also use reposado tequila. Reposado tequila is aged two to twelve months for a deeper, warmer flavor with hints of oak, vanilla and caramel. The taste will be a bit different than the crisp palate you might expect from a traditional paloma, but with blood orange and chili, this blend of deeper flavors will provide a satisfying experience.
What is a paloma?
Light and airy, it’s no surprise this cocktail is named the paloma, or “dove” in Spanish. A favorite in Mexico, the classic paloma is made with tequila, lime and grapefruit soda. A cousin to the margarita, this classic Mexican cocktail is a summery drink known for its tangy lightness. Fresh grapefruit juice rather than grapefruit soda is also a popular choice. In this variation, grapefruit is replaced with blood orange.
Variations to customize your blood orange paloma
With such simple ingredients, it’s easy to tweak the paloma into just the right drink for you! Try one or more of these variations.
Keep it classic
Want to stay true to the original paloma? Traditionally, this bubbly refreshment is grapefruit-based and made with just two ingredients — blanco tequila and grapefruit-flavored soda. Swap in flavored sodas or a sparkling water, and this drink tastes just as delicious with a slightly different flavor profile.
Keep it fresh
If you want the freshest taste, use fresh blood orange juice and sparkling water or club soda rather than blood orange sparkling water. This variation works for grapefruit variations, too, although you’ll want to add a dash of sweetness to get the sour taste of grapefruit.
Make your own chili lime
You don’t have to buy this iconic seasoning premade, and there are dozens of ways to create this tasty flavor combo. The simplest chili lime is composed of only salt, chile powder and lime. You can make your own lime powder by zesting limes, leaving the zest to dry for a day or two, then grinding with a pestle. Grind the lime with chili powder and salt and you have your own chili lime powder, ready for drinks and seasoning your food.
Switch up the spirits
The paloma is all about fresh, clean flavors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a version that suits your fancy. Mezcal is an agave-based liquor like tequila (in fact, tequila is a type of mezcal), but it features a smoky flavor. Swap out the blanco tequila for mezcal and experience a smoky blood orange cocktail. Try a high-quality smoky mezcal like Casamigos Mezcal.
If you don’t have blanco tequila on hand, you can also use reposado tequila. Reposado tequila is aged two to twelve months for a deeper, warmer flavor with hints of oak, vanilla and caramel. The taste will be a bit different than the crisp palate you might expect from a traditional paloma, but with blood orange and chili, this blend of deeper flavors will provide a satisfying experience.