May 22nd is World Paloma Day!
The holiday that pays homage to the delicious, thirst-quenching Paloma that proudly represents Mexico as its national tipple. Made with grapefruit soda, tequila, and a splash of lime, the highball style cocktail has become increasingly popular in the United States ever since the day was established back in 2019.
The precise origins of the Paloma are muddled, but it is rumored to be named after a popular Mexican folk song called La Paloma. The classic recipe includes one part tequila, three parts grapefruit soda, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. For the simple Paloma’s creation, many accredit owner of La Capilla bar in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Don Javier Delgado Corona. Because Don received absolute credibility for the invention of another soda-based tequila cocktail, the Batanga, the theory does not seem so far-fetched.
To celebrate World Paloma, Chilled’s expert bartenders have composed a list the best tequilas to choose for a perfect Paloma! Sip on!
Tequila Fortaleza Blanco
Based in Jalisco, a 125-year-old distillery utilizes traditional methods to produce this tequila. A brick oven cooks the agave, and a massive stone wheel called a tahona mashes the plant afterwards.
Not only is Fortaleza Blanco excellent by itself, but it also can elevate a Paloma. It’s clean character, subtle citrus, black pepper, and vanilla notes merge wonderfully with the other components of the drink.
Altos Reposado
Altos Reposado Tequila is a super-premium 100% agave tequila. Four to six months aging in oak barrels results in an unmistakably rich and intricate taste. Like other aged liquors, Reposado delivers satisfying wood-like notes, which perfectly complements the presence of the grapefruit and lime in a Paloma.
El Tesoro Reposado
El Tesoro tequila has been referred to as “the treasure” of Jalisco. Its production has also remained loyal to the same traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. Tesoro Reposado is aged in American oak ex-bourbon barrels for nine to eleven months. The delicate process yields a sweet, complex, and agave-forward flavor. The smoothness of the tequila paired with the tartness of the grapefruit, and sweetness of the passionfruit, is the precise formula for Paloma greatness.
Tequila Ocho Reposado
Tequila Ocho Reposado is made with 100% blue agave, harvested only when overripe and distilled at La Alteña Distillery in the Highlands of Jalisco. The expression is rested for eight weeks and eight days in ex-American whiskey barrels, which just exceeds the minimum amount of time required by law, which gives the Reposado a round, cooked agave note.
Patrón
Of all the variants tequila Patrón has to offer, most will agree that Patrón Silver’s delicate flavor and balance make it the prime candidate for a Paloma. However, if your goal is to highlight the citrusy notes of your Paloma, the pricier option, The Roca Patrón Silver, will do exactly that and more.
Espolon Blanco
The purest expression of Espolon tequila, handcrafted with 100% Blue Weber Agave. Inspired by Mexican culture and created in the highlands of Jalisco. Unlike many other distilling processes that utilize wood fired kilns, Espolon takes the agave core and places in stainless steel pressure cookers for a smoother and purer resulting flavor. This eliminates the possibility of an over-smoky flavor, making it more versatile for cocktails like the Paloma.
The post 6 Tequilas for a Perfect Paloma appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
