The paloma (Spanish for “dove”) is a tequila-based cocktail, most commonly prepared by mixing a light tequila with a soda such as Fresca or Jarritos and served on the rocks with a lime wedge. Optionally, the glass may also be rimmed with salt which would make it very similar to a salty dog (vodka instead of tequila). I put my own spin on the paloma at my recent Valentine soirée that I hosted for my girlfriends. Palomas are best served in lowball or stemless wine glasses. I poured a big batch in my Simon Pearce Glass Pitcher  and served it on the Queen Anne Oblong Tray by Reed & Barton (pictured above). The pitcher emptied quickly, and the girls really seemed to enjoy the fun, pink, and girly cocktail. I chose to serve this at Valentine’s because of the color, and this would also go great at a baby shower, patio party, or bachelorette weekend. Bottoms up!

INGREDIENTS

• bottle of tequila // Sauza Tequila Blanco or Patron Silver // do not use a dark colored tequila
• 1 bottle of grapefruit infused club soda
• 1 64 oz Ocean Spray Light: Ruby Red Grapefruit
• 5 limes
• 1 large grapefruit
• striped straws and cocktail napkins // you can by both at my favorite online party supply store here

PREP – makes 1

• (optional) rim your glass with salt or sugar // place salt or sugar on a plate // wet the rim of your glass with lime juice and dip it
• fill your glass or styro with ice
• pour 1 shot glass filled with tequila
• pour two shot glasses of grapefruit club soda
• add the juice of half a lime
• top the rest off with grapefruit juice
• stir and add your straw
• place a grapefruit wedge on the rim
• serve with a cocktail napkin