Italian Paloma Cocktail Recipe
This recipe creates a sophisticated Italian Paloma, blending tequila with the bittersweet notes of Campari, brightened by fresh citrus juices, a touch of simple syrup, and a crucial pinch of salt. It's then topped with chilled Italian orange soda for a refreshing, effervescent finish, offering a delightful twist on the classic Mexican cocktail.
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker For mixing and chilling the ingredients.
- 1 Jigger For accurate measurement of spirits and juices.
- 1 Citrus Juicer To extract fresh grapefruit, lime, and lemon juices.
- 2 Highball Glasses For serving the finished cocktail.
- 1 Bar Spoon For gentle stirring and combining ingredients.
Ingredients
Main
- 3 oz tequila
- 1.5 oz Campari
- 1/2 oz pink grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 6 oz chilled Italian orange soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and equipment, ensuring citrus fruits are ready for juicing.
- Juice the fresh pink grapefruit, lime, and lemon to yield the specified amounts for the cocktail.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, Campari, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and the pinch of salt.
- Fill the shaker generously with ice cubes to ensure proper chilling and dilution.
- Securely close the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Fill two highball glasses or your preferred cocktail glasses with fresh ice.
- Strain the well-chilled cocktail mixture from the shaker into the prepared ice-filled glasses.
- Carefully top each glass with 3 oz (half of the total 6 oz) of chilled Italian orange soda.
- Gently stir once or twice with a bar spoon to combine the soda without losing too much effervescence.
- Optionally, garnish each cocktail with a fresh grapefruit slice or twist before serving immediately.
Notes
For an optimal Italian Paloma, always use freshly squeezed grapefruit, lime, and lemon juices; their vibrant acidity is crucial. The pinch of salt is not merely an afterthought; it significantly brightens and balances the complex flavors of tequila and Campari, mitigating the latter's bitterness. When shaking, use ample ice to achieve proper dilution and a truly chilled cocktail. Introduce the Italian orange soda last, gently stirring to maintain its effervescence. Consider garnishing with a fresh grapefruit slice or orange peel to enhance both aroma and visual appeal. Taste and adjust simple syrup to your preference, as grapefruit sweetness can vary.