Paloma Cocktail Recipe for Tequila Sheila

They say tequila won't fix all your problems, but we think it's worth a shot. This blue agave juice has a way of warming your soul and swaying your heart into a rhythm of happiness. You may never get tired of the savory bottoms up, but for National Tequila Day on July 24th, you might want to get a little inventive with your drinks. If you think salt and lime is bom, you need to try an orange slice with your tequila shots. Don't let this be a shock, as the Tequila Sunrise, Sunset, and Screwdriver create wonderful agave juice concoctions. But we're setting aside these common bar pleasures to share the most popular tequila cocktail of Mexico. No, it is not the margarita. Contrary to what most Americans think is the favorite South of the Border drink, the Paloma is the common tequila-based cocktail in Mexico. For a truly traditional cóctel de México throw together this summer drink.

Prep time 10 minutes

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients

• Coarse salt for the rim
• 1 Lime + 1/4 lime slice
• 1 Grapefruit
• 2 ounces of Tequila Blanco/Plata (Silver)
• 1 cup of club soda (Squirt)
• Ice

Optional Substitutes/Add-Ons:

• Tajín (salt substitute)
• Chamoy (1/4 lime slice sub)
• 1 Orange (added juice flavor to balance the bitterness of grapefruit)
• Grapefruit flavored Squirt (this combo eliminates grapefruit from the equation)
• Grapefruit or lime slice (garnish)

Preparation

1. Coat cup rim with lime and salt (Or Chamoy and Tajín)
2. Citrus: Squeeze grapefruit and lime in cup (Optional: Squeeze orange as well)
3. Mix in tequila (1.5 oz for lighter drinkers)
4. Add club soda and ice
5. Garnish with a citrus slice...Maybe just a liiiittle... more... tajín! In the actual drink this time.

Besides the basic #liquorandlime, you'll find citrus fruits give tequila a more palatable taste. The acidic fruits stimulate other taste receptors in your mouth that cut through the alcohol for a smoother feel. Tequila is a relatively strong liquor with an alcohol concentration anywhere between 35% to 55% ABV. However, with aging, the flavors from the organic chemical compounds become less complex. Tequila Blanco or Plata (also known as "Silver") is aged less than two months and holds a harsher and bold taste. Reposado (from the Latin word meaning "to pause,") is aged between two months to a year in oak barrels. Añejo means "aged" or "vintage," which is matured between one to three years in oak barrels. As the distilled agave sits in the casks the tequila absorbs the characters of the wood, mellowing out the alcohol for a subtler taste. We recommend using clear tequila for your mixed drinks as the sharp flavor can still be identified when enjoying. If you're sticking to shots and want to avoid the agave profiles as much as possible, then aim for golden. Just remember, "Arriba, abajo, al centro, pa'dentro!" For my English-speakers, just raise your shots up, down, to the center, and inside they go!

Fun Facts: 

1. Blue Weber agave plants take over seven years to reach maturity for harvesting
2. The leaves of the large agave succulent can reach up to 7 feet tall
3. A harvester of Agave Tequilana is called Jimador because they use a coa de jima, a flat-bladed knife at the end of a long pole (it resembles a hoe)