Blood Orange Paloma

TGIF! We made it. It’s time to celebrate with cocktails on the porch. I wish you could join me in enjoying a Blood Orange Paloma.

If you know me well, you know that the Paloma is one of my favorite cocktails. According to several sources, the Paloma is the most popular tequila based cocktail in Mexico. You thought it would be the Margarita, didn’t you? The original Paloma is “most commonly prepared by mixing tequila with a grapefruit-flavored soda such as Fresca, Squirt, or Jarritos and served on the rocks with a lime wedge.” (Wikipedia)

It can also be made with fresh grapefruit juice, which is how I make it. I dig anything made with pink grapefruit juice. If  you add a little tequila (or a lot if it’s been a long day), a squeeze of lime and splash of soda I will be your best friend.

But, the first Paloma I ever had was a variation made with blood orange juice. It was a delicious Blood Orange Paloma. Oh my, that drink was heaven in a glass. So when I had a couple of blood oranges on hand for a product photo session, I decided I could let them go to waste. I either had to eat them or juice them and make a cocktail. You know which route I took.

I got these beautiful drinks started by juicing several Moro oranges. I mixed the juice with silver tequila and fresh lime juice. I decided that this mixture was a little tart so I added simple syrup to the recipe.  Then I topped everything off with club soda. The final product is a tart-sweet fizzy drink that you will find super refreshing.

Blood Orange Paloma

• 6 oz fresh squeezed blood (Moro) orange juice
• 2 oz simple syrup
• 3-4 oz silver tequila
• Juice of a fresh lime
• club soda
• slices of blood orange

In a mixing glass combine the blood orange juice, simple syrup, tequila and lime juice. Fill two rocks glasses with ice. You can also rim them with salt before you add ice. Divide mixture between the two glasses leaving room for soda. Add soda and garnish with a slice of orange. Enjoy!

Give this Blood Orange Paloma a whirl and let me know what you think in the comments. Happy Friday!