When people think tequila, they automatically think of the margarita, but the Paloma is a lighter, more refreshing tequila cocktail. The Paloma is typically made with grapefruit soda (such as Jarritos), but I used ruby-red grapefruit juice in this Strawberry Paloma cocktail to add just the right amount of sweet/tart flavor, balancing the spicy flavor of the Pura Vida Silver tequila. The hint of St Germain and strawberry purée is like love in your mouth, making this the “it” cocktail to sip!
This post is sponsored by Pure Vida Tequila but my opinions and this recipe are my own.
Do You Know Your Tequila?
I used Pura Vida Silver tequila, which was perfect for this cocktail, but Pura Vida makes several tequilas, each with different flavor notes to jazz up cocktails. Do you know the difference between the different types of tequila? Use this guide to help you decide which tequila to buy next time you go to the liquor store.
Types of Tequila
Pure Vida Silver: Un-aged tequila with the pure taste of blue agave. Pure Vida silver is triple distilled, with notes of thyme and jasmine, with a spicy-smooth finish.
Pura Vida Reposado: Tequila that has been aged in American oak bourbon barrels, infusing a wood flavor into the agave. This tequila is golden in color, with notes of mint, jasmine, agave, chocolate, and vanilla, and a light finish.
Pura Vida Anejo: Triple distilled and aged for at least a year in Kentucky bourbon barrels. This has a richer taste, with notes of raisin, chocolate, pepper, and floral. This is spicy and decadently smooth.
Pura Vida Extra Anejo: This is an elegant tequila, aged at least five years in Cognac barrels, giving it a deep amber color and notes of fruit, oak, and herbs. This tequila, smooth and complex, is meant for sipping. You’ve never tried tequila like this!
In addition to tequila, Pure Vida makes several liqueurs and mixers to enhance your cocktails.
Pura Vida Naranja: An orange liqueur, this is the perfect side kick for margaritas.
Pura Vida Don Pancho: A coffee liqueur made from sugar cane spirit and Aribica coffee beans, and distilled in small batches.
Pura Vida Sangrita: Tomato, lime, and orange juice are blended with spices to create this traditional sangrita mixer.
Pura Vida Bloody Maria: A bold tomato, citrus, and spice blend, it can be mixed with tequila for Bloody Maria or vodka for Bloody Mary cocktails.
Strawberry Paloma Cocktail
(Per glass)
- Fleur De Sel (Sea Salt)
- 2-3 Strawberries
- 2 oz. Pura Vida Silver Tequila
- 2 oz. Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice or Soda (Jarritos)
- 1 oz. St. Germain Liqueur (Elderflower liqueur)
- 2 oz. Lemon-Lime Soda
- Fresh Strawberries (trimmed and sliced)
Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the sea salt on a plate. Rub a slice of sliced strawberry around the rim of a highball glass, then dip in the salt to coat the rim.
Set aside. Puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor, or use a hand blender. Carefully add crushed ice to the glass. Place the purée in the bottom of the glass, then add the grapefruit juice and St. Germain. Fill the glass with the lemon-lime soda. Garnish the Strawberry Paloma cocktail with a fresh strawberry slice.
