While we are still reliving summer let’s talk about drinks. It’s hot and we need something cool and refreshing. I mostly make boozy drinks but any alcohol can be substituted with soda or tonic water. There are also non alcoholic “spirits” that could be used.
I’m going to start with my current favorite cocktail, The Paloma. To me nothing says summer more than grapefruit in my glass! Well, the crisp mint of a mojito is also nice but my heart is with the grapefruit.
The Paloma isn’t exactly a classic cocktail as it wasn’t around during prohibition times. Also it isn’t an American cocktail so who knows when it was created. It seems to have been born in Mexico sometime in the late 1930’s and was made with Squirt soda. I don’t use the soda or soda water when I make mine so it may not be a true Paloma but it’s tasty. I am going to start with my recipe this time and follow with the original.
4 oz reposado tequila
6 oz grapefruit juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
2 oz ginger ale
Grapefruit wedges, smoked salt, ice cubes
Pour the salt onto a small plate. Rub the rim of a Collins glass with a grapefruit wedge. Dip the rim into the salt, turning the glass to coat the entire rim.
In a cocktail shaker mix the tequila, juice, simple syrup and a pinch of salt with ice and shake well to combine. Pour over fresh ice, top with the ginger ale and garnish with a wedge of grapefruit.
Now for an original recipe.
Kosher Salt
1 lime wedge
Ice
2 oz blanco tequila
2 oz grapefruit juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Juice of half of a lime
2 oz Squirt
1 grapefruit wedge
Salt the rim of the glass using the lime wedge to wet it. Fill the prepped glass with ice. Add tequila, juice, syrup, lime juice and a pinch of salt. Top off with the soda and stir with a bar spoon. Garnish with the grapefruit wedge.
The differences are based on my taste. I like the smoky flavor of the darker tequila with the tart of the grapefruit better. I don’t care for Squirt or club soda or tonic water so I don’t use them. The ginger ale adds another level of flavor that the other sodas are lacking and it eliminates the need for the lime. If all of the ingredients are kept in the fridge then adding them directly to the glass is ok. If like me, you don’t have stuff in the fridge then the shaker method is better. When using the shaker DO NOT put the soda in it!! You will end up with a soda fountain and no tasty drink!
I know we have talked about simple syrup before but this time is special. Simple syrup can be flavored! Fresh basil, fresh mint, any citrus zest, cardamom pods or coffee can be used to add taste. Add whatever you want to flavor it with at the end of the cooking time and leave it in to steep while the syrup cools down. I have found that if you add the extras at the beginning they get weird.
Thanks for going on this journey with me. Stay hydrated and Happy cooking!
Ali's Kitchen 