Topic: Cocktails & Drinks

Elevate your cocktail hour with a refreshing grapefruit Paloma, perfectly complimented by a Himalayan Pink Salt rim, Selected by Maldon. This tequila cocktail combines equal parts blanco tequila, pink grapefruit juice, club soda for fizz and a touch of agave for sweetness, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavours. The finishing touch of the salt rim not only elevates the presentation, but also perfectly balances the citrusy tang and smooth tequila notes, making this Paloma cocktail and unforgettable tipple!

What is in a paloma cocktail?

A classic paloma cocktail consists of tequila, lime juice, grapefruit and soda with salt being added to the rim of the glass as an added option. Paloma translates to ‘dove’ in Spanish, with the cocktails true origins unknown, although it is believed to have dated back to the 1950s. The legend Don Javier Delgado Corona, who was the former bartender and owner of La Capilla in Tequila, Mexico, is known to be the Paloma’s original creator. He wanted to create a cocktail that’s both sweet and sour, a little bitter and salty with plenty of bubbles and ice. What’s not to love about a refreshing Paloma!

How to make a paloma cocktail

There are many paloma cocktail recipes that have their own ‘tasty‘ twist to the original. Our recipe includes club soda, fresh pink grapefruit juice, blanco tequila and lime juice. We also include a salt rim using Himalayan Pink Salt, Selected by Maldon. This pink coarse rock salt is selected by our seasoned experts, from the foothill of the Himalayas and has been prized for centuries. It’s perfect for rimming the glass of your paloma as the the salt with counteract the bitterness from tequila, and elevate the sweetness of the grapefruit and lime. Additionally, is also adds texture to the drink, building up a pleasurable experience as you take your first sip.

1. Start by rimming the glass with salt. Lightly crush the Himalayan Pink Salt, Selected by Maldon, then place onto a small plate.
2. Take the glass and rub a little lime juice, grapefruit juice or agave around the rim of the glass.
3. Then, invert it onto the plate and press the salt onto the rim firmly.
4. In a cocktail shaker, add the blanco tequila , fresh pink grapefruit juice, lime juice and agave.
5. Add a few ice cubes and then give it a shake until the outside feels cold.
6. Add some ice cubes to the prepared glass with the rim and begin pouring in the cocktail mixture.
7. Top up with club soda and then garnish with some pink grapefruit slices before serving.

How to slice a grapefruit?

This is the fastest, simplest and mess-free way of slicing a grapefruit.

1. Place the grapefruit on a cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, begin slicing off a half inch off the top and bottom of the fruit.
2. Stand the grapefruit upright so the flesh is exposed and begin to cut the skin off. Make sure you are following the contour of the grapefruit and the white pith.
3. Repeat the peeling technique.
4. Using a sharp paring knife, hold the grapefruit in your hand, and begin to cut downward between the membrane and the segment.
5. Once you have reached the centre of the grapefruit, stop and make a second angled cut. The segment should then pop out.
6. Repeat until all segments have been removed.

How to use a cocktail shaker?

We used a two-piece cocktail shaker to make our paloma cocktail. These are also known as Boston or French Shaker. They comprise of two flat-bottomed cones, one larger than the other. The large cone is made of stainless steel usually, while the smaller cone can be glass, stainless or plastic.

1. Start by combining your ingredients in the glass (the smaller cone).
2. Fill the large cone with ice and quickly up-end over the smaller cone, quickly to avoid spilling any ice! Gently tap the top of with your palm to create a secure seal between the two parts.
3. Begin lifting the shaker with one hand on the top and the other gripping the base.
4. Shake quickly and vigorously to ensure the mix is blended well.
5. After shaking for around 12 second, the large cone will start to feel cold to the touch. This is when you know it’s ready to serve. Hold the larger cone in one hand and break the seal by tapping the base with your palm.
6. Before you pour your cocktail, place a strainer over the top of the cone and strain the mixture into the glass, leaving the ice behind. The ice that we used for shaking should be removed.

What to use instead of a cocktail shaker?

Creating a cocktail shaker alternative is very easy and you only need a few objects that can be found in your home. If you have a mason jar, or any other glass with with secure lid, it will make an effective cocktail shaker.

1. Clean your mason jar thoroughly before using, ensuring it’s clean and safe to use.
2. Add your cocktail ingredients into the jar.
3. Add your ice cubes.
4. Close the lid, fastening it on securely.
5. Shake vigorously.
6. Take the lid off and pour cocktail mix into your glass.

How to rim a glass with salt?

If you’re wanting to make a classic salt rim for a cocktail such as a margarita, we recommend starting of with a lime.

1. Begin by cutting a lime in half, and then again until it forms a quarter or wedge.
2. Cut a notch in the lime wedge, making sure to not cut all the way through. Near enough in the centre will do.
3. Run the notch all around the glass until it’s the rim of the glass is completely wet from the lime juice.
4. Add some Himalayan Pink Salt into a small dish that’s bigger than the diameter of your glass.
5. Tip the glass over into the salt, almost like a cookie cutter going into the dough.
6. Hold the glass up and you will find a perfect salt rim around your glass.

This refreshing cocktail is perfect for the warm summer months! We combine pink grapefruit and rosemary together as both compliment each other’s flavour profile perfectly.

Make sure to add a pinch of Maldon Salt your cocktail to enhance the sweetness and counteract the bitterness from the grapefruit. Salt also enhances the citrus in sours and adds both depth and texture when the soda water is incorporated into the drink.

You can serve this cocktail with many ‘picky’ bit dishes, including our delectable arancini balls filled with creamy mozzarella and parmesan. Additionally, we recommend pairing this cocktail with a bright, summery salad such as our classic Caprese salad made up with slices of fresh cheese, tomatoes and basil.

Here is how to make our Pink Grapefruit and Rosemary Spritz…

1. Fill a large spritz glass with ice.
2. Pour over the grapefruit juice, followed by the Aperol.
3. Next pour over the prosecco and then a final splash of soda water to top up the glass.
4. Add a pinch of Maldon Salt and give the whole glass a stir to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!