The Upgraded Paloma Recipe
A concentrated grapefruit extract makes this paloma variation way more flavorful. [Photographs: Vicky Wasik]
This summer refresher from Zac Overman at Seattle's Sitka & Spruce is the perfect example of delayed gratification. Put in some advance work to make a rich, almost buttery sweet-tart grapefruit cordial and you have the makings of a whole pitcher's worth of drinks at a moment's notice. Grapefruit and lime bring acidity balanced by tequila's vegetal verve, Campari's bitterness, and a hint of salt for focus. This recipe makes about a pint of cordial, which you can keep in your fridge for weeks. Beyond cocktails, it's great drizzled over fresh fruit or ice cream.
Why It Works
- Macerating grapefruit peels in sugar makes for a complex and concentrated cordial with a rounded, almost buttery character.
- Campari tames the cocktail's sweet and sour character, while a hit of salt brings the whole drink into focus.
Read more: A Little Work in Advance Makes a Cocktail to Drink All Summer
What's New On Serious Eats
- Yield:Makes 1 cocktail and about 1 pint of Salted Grapefruit Cordial (enough for 16 drinks)
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Total time:24 hours
- Rated:
Ingredients
- For the Salted Grapefruit Cordial:
- 1/2 cup fresh juice from 2 large Ruby Red grapefruit, plus peel of 1 Ruby Red Grapefruit with little to no white pith (see note)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh juice from about 8 limes
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- For One Cocktail:
- 2 ounces blanco tequila, such as Chinaco
- 1 ounce Salted Grapefruit Cordial
- 3/4 ounce fresh juice from 2 limes
- 1/4 ounce Campari
- Seltzer
Directions
-
1.
For the Salted Grapefruit Cordial: Bury grapefruit peel in sugar in a pint-sized container. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
-
2.
The next day, add grapefruit juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, water, and salt to sugar and stir or shake until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove grapefruit peel and refrigerate cordial, which will last for several weeks.
-
3.
For the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, 1 ounce of cordial, 3/4 ounce of lime juice, and Campari. Fill shaker with ice, and shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice and top with soda to taste. Garnish with a grapefruit twist if desired.
This Recipe Appears In
A Little Work in Advance Makes a Cocktail to Drink All Summer
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