Whiskey Paloma
If you spend any time on our site or visit our Instagram, you probably know that I prefer my whiskey neat. However, sipping whiskey when it’s grotesquely hot outside doesn’t give me the summer vibes I seek. What I want is a cold, fruity, and refreshing cocktail. After seeing a Paloma posted on a social media site, I knew I had to try my hand at a Whiskey Paloma.
What is a Paloma?
A Paloma is a cocktail traditionally made from tequila, grapefruit juice or soda, and a splash of lime juice. It looks and tastes like summer. However, there is one downside to a Paloma… They are made from tequila and I am not a fan. Whether it was from those shots of Jose Cuervo during a drinking game in college or from the regretful decision to drink Patron at a holiday party because everyone else was, my experience with tequila has been soured.
For our Whiskey Paloma, we used Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit. I don’t see it in stores often, so I’d been saving it for a special cocktail. The Fever-Tree works well for this cocktail because it gives the Whiskey Paloma a crisp fizz, making it more interesting to sip.
If you can’t find Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit, Fresca or Squirt would be an acceptable substitute. We also added a dash of aromatic bitters which helps to bring out some floral notes in the cocktail and balances the tanginess of the grapefruit.
You can use any whiskey to create this cocktail, but we like it best with a sweet bourbon. Our preferred Whiskey Paloma was created using my go-to, Evan Williams Bottled in Bond. If you haven’t read our review of Evan Williams BiB, make sure you check it out here.
Whiskey Paloma
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces Whiskey
- 3 ounces Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit Soda
- 1 dash aromatic bitters
- 1 splash lime juice
- 1 slice grapefruit or orange
Instructions
- Combine whiskey, Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit, aromatic bitters, and lime juice in a highball glass.
- Stir to combine and top with ice.
- Serve with a citrus garnish.
Happy Exploring!
