Elderflower Paloma

One of my least favorite fruits (grapefruit) completely redeems itself in this elderflower Paloma. It is actually another Greece inspired cocktail from my vacation earlier this summer. Everywhere we went there was some kind of Paloma on the menu. My friend ordered one at almost every stop and every single one tasted amazing.

The key difference with all the Paloma’s we had was the juice. It was fresh squeezed right from the fruit making it sweeter and less bitter than the bottled juice. That and fruit is better in Greece (not a lie) but I was determined to replicate the cocktail when I got back.

Of course I have to add my little twist on things and one of my favorite liqueurs to add to tequila is St. Germaine. The tequila you use doesn’t matter, just make sure it’s a silver/blanco. I used the “sweet but psycho rim salt” because I wanted a little heat and a little sweetness with each sip. The grapefruit, as usual, was from Wholefoods and most definitely organic. You want fruit that taste like fruit, for this reason, always buy organic. Add a little bit of carbonation at the end and you have a refreshing cocktail to enjoy on the last few hot days of summer.

Paloma Recipe

Don Julio Blanco, St. Germain, one organic grapefruit, Topo Chico sparking water, Sweet but Psycho Salt Rim (in the shop)

1.5 oz silver tequila

.5 oz St Germain

2 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

top with sparkling water

Combine first three ingredients in your mixer with ice. Give a gentle shake and pour over fresh ice in a salted rim glass. I used a wine glass but any cocktail glass will do. Top with sparkling water, just enough to give some fizz but not too much to dilute your flavors (about a 2 second pour). Garnish with a fresh slice of grapefruit.

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