This Salty Owl Paloma recipe blends smooth reposado tequila, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, agave, and tonic water with a Tajín rim and a subtle kick of serrano.
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The Salty Owl Paloma is a refreshing coastal-inspired cocktail with just the right balance of sweet, tart, and spicy. Smooth reposado tequila is shaken with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and agave, then finished with tonic water for a crisp, bubbly sip. Pieces of fresh grapefruit tucked into the glass add juicy bursts of citrus as you drink.
A Tajín rim brings a salty, tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the grapefruit, while a thin slice of fresh serrano on top adds a subtle touch of heat. Bright, bold, and a little unexpected, this is the perfect Paloma for sunny afternoons, patio dinners, or anytime you’re craving something refreshingly salty.
Why You’ll Love Salty Owl Paloma
- Fresh citrus flavor: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and juicy grapefruit pieces make every sip bright and refreshing.
- Smooth and lightly sweet: Reposado tequila and agave create a warm, balanced flavor without making the cocktail overly sweet.
- A subtle spicy kick: A thin slice of fresh serrano adds gentle heat that complements the tart grapefruit.
- Salty, tangy finish: The Tajín rim brings together chile, lime, and salt for an irresistible contrast.
- Light and bubbly: Tonic water gives this Paloma a crisp, sparkling finish that’s perfect for sipping on the patio.
What You’ll Need for Salty Owl Paloma
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- Tequila – Good quality reposado tequila. Reposado is a smooth tequila aged in oak barrels.
- Grapefruit – Fresh grapefruit squeezed using a handpress or cold press juicer and sliced for garnish.
- Tonic Water – This adds the sparkling bubbly – and not all tonic water is the same – Try Schweppes.
- Agave – I like to use agave nectar as a sweetener instead of a simple syrup.
- Tajin– The Mexican flavors of Tajin add a salty, spicy kick to the rim.
- Serrano Pepper – A thin slice of serrano pepper for garnish.
Make It Your Way
Like it smoky? Use Mezcal tequila.
Don’t have fresh grapefruits? Use store bought grapefruit juice such as Simply Fresh.
Make a simple syrup instead of agave nectar.
Salty Owl Paloma
Ingredients
Method
- Use a grapefruit wedge to moisten the rim of a glass. Dip rim in Tajin seasoning.
- Fill glass with ice cubes and one grapefruit wedge. Add tequila, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, agave and tonic water. Stir and garnish with a grapefruit wedge, a thin slice of serrano pepper and a small cilantro leaf.
SALTY OWL TIP
Rim only half of the glass with Tajín so you can choose between a salty, spicy sip and a clean taste of fresh grapefruit. For more heat, gently muddle one thin slice of serrano with the grapefruit and agave before adding the remaining ingredients.
More Seriously Good Recipes
Love a fresh cocktail with a little personality? Try my Salty Owl Blackberry Lime Mojito, made with juicy blackberries, fresh lime, mint, and bubbly soda. To complete your happy-hour menu, pair this Paloma with my Mexican Shrimp Mini Wedge Salad or Grilled Sablefish with Roasted Poblano Vinaigrette for more bright, spicy, and citrus-inspired flavors.
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