Honey Paloma

Honey Paloma is a tequila based cocktail similar to a Margarita. This version uses honey syrup to sweeten this colorful and vibrant mixed drink. 

As a Valentine’s Day present to my husband, I signed us up for the modern cocktail workshop taught by Talmadge Lowe of Pharmacie.

The class was held at Poketo in the Arts District of Downtown LA.  It was so much fun and I learned a lot.

Talmadge started the class with a brief history of how cocktails and mixed drinks came to be.  He gave us a rundown on essential bar tools, an introduction to the main liquors, and a little info on which glass to use to which drink.

Of course my favorite part of the workshop was the mixing and tasting of drinks!

We were provided with all sorts of alcohol, fresh squeezed juices, and a variety of flavored simple syrups and bitters.  Talmadge taught us the basic ratios to make “sour cocktails.”

Then he would walk around the class and taste everyone’s creations.  He tasted my husband’s drink and said it was a “Paloma with honey.”

Honey Paloma

What is the Paloma cocktail?

Paloma is a tequila based cocktail, quite similar to a Margarita, but in my opinion- better!

Paloma, which means “dove” in Spanish, is traditionally made by mixing tequila and grapefruit flavored soda.  I opted for grapefruit juice and club soda because I think drinks taste more refreshing with real juice.

What makes this version of Paloma better?

Rather than use a regular simple syrup, I used honey syrup.  I like the combination of tart grapefruit and sweet honey.

Honey can be a tricky sweetener because it is pretty thick and it often hardens in cold drinks.

To solve this problem use honey syrup (honey + simple syrup mixture).  Make a large batch of honey syrup and use it to sweeten everything… oatmeal, green tea, iced tea, yogurt, coffee, etc.

How to make Honey Paloma:

I’ve never had a Paloma at a bar or restaurant, so I’m not sure if it comes with a salted rim or not.  For this Honey Paloma, I prefer it with the salt.

Combine a tablespoon to coarse salt with a teaspoon of grated grapefruit zest.  Moisten the rim of your serving glass with a lime wedge or a little bit of water.

Turn glass upside down into the salt mixture.  Twist glass around to thoroughly salt the rim.

1. Fill serving glass a little more than half full of ice.  Pour in 2 oz of fresh grapefruit juice.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice.
3. Follow with 2 teaspoons of honey syrup. (Honey syrup recipe below)
4. Pour in 2 oz club soda.
5. Top with 2 oz tequila.
6. Stir to combine.  Add more ice if necessary.  Garnish finished cocktail with a grapefruit wedge.