SWOL Paloma

SWOL Paloma

The Paloma is Mexico's most popular tequila cocktail, and this grapefruit tequila cocktail shows exactly why. It is nothing more than tequila, lime, a pinch of salt, and grapefruit soda over ice, yet it drinks bright, tart, and impossibly refreshing. SWOL Añejo is the twist: where most Palomas use blanco, the aged spirit layers vanilla and oak beneath the grapefruit for a rounder, more grown-up highball. It takes under two minutes and one glass to make, with no shaker required. Stir the salt right into the drink, not just the rim, and it seasons every sip.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 1/2 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila (aged and oaky; blanco works for a lighter, sharper version)
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
  • Pinch of salt (stir it in, do not only rim)
  • Grapefruit soda to top (Jarritos, Squirt, or Fever-Tree)
  • Garnish: lime wheel or grapefruit slice
  • Optional rim: smoked salt or Tajín
  • Ice
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Add SWOL Añejo, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Top with grapefruit soda.
  4. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Garnish with a lime wheel or grapefruit slice. For extra edge, rim the glass with smoked salt or Tajín first.
Style of Glass to use
  • Highball Glass
Garnishes
  • Grapefruit

What is a Paloma

The Paloma, Spanish for "dove," is a tequila highball built on grapefruit and lime. It is far more common in Mexico than the margarita and is prized for being simple and refreshing. Traditionally it uses grapefruit soda, though many recipes swap in fresh grapefruit juice with a splash of soda water for a drier drink.

Grapefruit soda vs fresh grapefruit juice

Grapefruit soda (Jarritos, Squirt) makes the classic sweet, fizzy Paloma and is the easiest route. For a drier, more tart drink, use fresh grapefruit juice, a squeeze of lime, a little agave, and top with soda water. Both are authentic; pick by how sweet you like it.

Paloma variations and mocktail

Rim with Tajín or smoked salt for a spicy or savory edge, add a slice of jalapeño for heat, or use a blood-orange soda for color. For a mocktail, skip the tequila and mix grapefruit soda with lime and a pinch of salt, or use a nonalcoholic agave spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Paloma made of?

Tequila, lime, salt, and grapefruit soda over ice.

What is the best tequila for a Paloma?

Blanco is traditional, but SWOL Añejo adds oak and vanilla for a richer version.

Grapefruit soda or fresh juice?

Soda is the easy classic; fresh grapefruit juice with soda water makes a drier Paloma.

What grapefruit soda is best?

Jarritos or Squirt for sweet, Fever-Tree for dry.

Do you shake a Paloma?

No, build it in the glass and stir gently to keep the fizz.

What is the difference between a Paloma and a cantarito?

A cantarito adds orange and lemon and is served in a clay cup; the Paloma is simpler.

Should I salt the rim or the drink?

Stirring a pinch into the drink seasons every sip; a rim is optional for presentation.

SWOL Paloma TIPS

Salt Inside and Out

Instead of just rimming the glass, adding a pinch of salt directly into the cocktail enhances the citrus and balances bitterness from the grapefruit soda. For even more depth, try using smoked salt or a Tajín rim to bring out the añejo’s oak and spice notes. And always use fresh lime juice — it makes a world of difference in brightness and balance.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$89.99

$109.99

Sale

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

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