Palomas: The perfect grapefruit cocktail

 
 

There is something about cutting into a grapefruit in the armpit of winter that makes me swoon. How can anything that bright and juicy be in season this time of year? When Julie and I lived together, she always managed to find the ripest citrus: the grapefruits that taste as if they’re covered in honey. I would stare at them, piled high in her bowl on the counter. Honestly, I ate one once. It felt necessary to make a cocktail with fresh grapefruit juice. Palomas are classic: grapefruit, tequila, lime and simple syrup over ice, topped with sparkling water. This recipe is really just for inspiration. Ultimately you could omit the salt rim or swap mezcal for tequila. — Dak

 
 
 

Ingredients (Makes 2)

  • Salt

  • 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice (1-2 grapefruits)

  • 2 teaspoons simple syrup

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 1/2 cup tequila

  • 1/2 cup sparkling water

  • Extra lime or grapefruit for garnish

 

Instructions

  1. Pour some salt on a plate. Run a lime wedge along the rim of each glass and turn the glass upside down on the salty plate to create a rim (optional).

  2. Juice 1-2 grapefruits to get 1/2 cup juice and pour over glasses filled with ice.

  3. Divide tequila between the two glasses.

  4. Top with 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice each.

  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon simple syrup each.

  6. Top with sparkling water.

  7. Taste. Add more simple syrup if you want it more sweet or more lime if you want more tang.

  8. Garnish with fresh lime and / or grapefruit.