Overview
The paloma is one of summer's more underrated cocktails. With a base of lime, pink grapefruit soda and 1800 Tequila, the Blue Weber agave — ripened over 12 years — blends with bittersweet grapefruit to create a drink that's both low-effort and refreshing. It transitions easily between whatever plans you have lined up, so whether you're at long lunches, date nights, or weekends away, you can focus instead on enhancing your time with your friends and family.
The recipes below cover the full spectrum of social occasions and the best cocktail variations to make that time shine. From the original to the most crowd-pleasing, you're bound to find the perfect accompaniment to any gathering below.
Classic Paloma for Any Occasion
Makes one. About 1.3 standard drinks per glass.
A perfect addition to any night with a loved one, this easy recipe requires little effort for a big payoff. Serve with salty snacks on the first sunny weekend of summer, and the homemade cocktail will impress your friends even on the most laid-back occasion. To impress them further, pair it with a signature menu and a luxurious seat in the sun.
INGREDIENTS
45ml 1800 Blanco
15ml fresh lime juice
90–100ml pink grapefruit soda
Garnish: salt for the glass rim, plus a grapefruit wedge
METHOD
Prepare a tall glass by running a lime wedge around the rim and then dipping in salt. Fill the glass with ice, then add your 1800 Blanco and lime juice, before topping with grapefruit soda. Gently stir until combined, and garnish with grapefruit.
The Rosemary Paloma for a Date Night
Makes two. About 1.3 standard drinks per glass.
Any date night can benefit from a special touch and this herbal spin on the classic cocktail does just that. Featuring the introduction of a little rosemary, the earthy flavour can add an extra dimension to your drink, while the fragrant garnish creates a sense of romance. Enjoy at a rooftop bar overlooking a sunset or impress your partner by making it at home.
INGREDIENTS
90ml 1800 Blanco
30ml fresh lime juice
180–200ml pink grapefruit soda
2 sprigs of rosemary
Garnish: salt for the glass rims (optional), 2 grapefruit wedges, 2 sprigs of rosemary
METHOD
Take two sprigs of rosemary and squeeze them to release their aroma. Then grab two tall glasses and place a sprig in each before filling with ice. Divide the 1800 Blanco and lime juice between each glass and add the pink grapefruit soda. Stir and garnish each with a sprig of rosemary and a grapefruit wedge.
The Spicy Paloma for a Dinner Party
Makes two. About 1.3 standard drinks per glass.
A spicy cocktail may be the undisputed champion of summer drinks, if you can handle the heat. By adding a little spice to your 1800 paloma, you'll get the same sweet, refreshing summer drink with a little extra kick. If you're having this at home, try serving at a dinner party alongside a homemade Mexican feast. If you're headed out, Latin-inspired restaurants like Acapulco El Vista in Circular Quay offer the delicious pairing alongside your cocktail.
INGREDIENTS
90ml 1800 Blanco
30ml fresh lime juice
180–200ml pink grapefruit soda
4 slices of jalapeño
Garnish: chilli salt (such as Tajín) for the glass rims, plus 2 grapefruit wedges
METHOD
Rim two tall glasses with chilli salt. Divide the jalapeño and lime juice between them and press the slices gently with a spoon. Add ice and the 1800 Blanco, top with pink grapefruit soda and stir gently. Garnish each with a grapefruit wedge.
The Paloma Punch for Pleasing a Crowd
Makes six. About 1.5 standard drinks per glass.
The perfect option whether you're planning Christmas lunch or a plain old barbecue, a jug of 1800 paloma punch is a crowd pleaser. Slightly different to the original recipe, this punch adds chilled sparkling rosé and fresh fruit, making it fizzy, summery, and delicious. Serve during long afternoon catch-ups and shared meals with your group of friends.
INGREDIENTS
180ml 1800 Blanco
300ml fresh ruby red grapefruit juice (about 2 grapefruits)
30ml fresh lime juice
375ml chilled sparkling rosé (half a bottle)
Garnish: grapefruit slices, sliced strawberries and a handful of basil leaves
METHOD
Prior to the gathering, pour 1800 Blanco, grapefruit juice and lime juice into a large jug and place in the fridge. When your guests arrive, add ice, sliced fruit and basil leaves to the jug before topping with the sparkling rosé. Serve in individual glasses, also filled with ice.
The Paloma Slushie for the Next Hot Day
Makes three. About 1.3 standard drinks per glass.
Built for sunny days and shared memories, an 1800 paloma slushie may be the most exciting thing we have to offer. As Australian summer is all about either enjoying the heat or avoiding it, this recipe is ideal whether you want to kick back in the sun or cool down. Serve after beach days or at parties, ideally when the temp hits the high 20s.
INGREDIENTS
135ml 1800 Blanco
45ml fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
360ml pink grapefruit soda, frozen overnight in ice-cube trays
Garnish: salt for the glass rims, plus 3 grapefruit wedges
METHOD
The night before, pour grapefruit soda into ice-cube trays and leave to freeze. On the day you wish to serve, blend the frozen soda cubes with the 1800 Blanco and lime juice for about 30 seconds. You're looking for a smooth and slushy texture. To thicken, add a handful of ice. Salt the rims of three glasses and pour in the frozen 1800 paloma, before garnishing each with a grapefruit wedge.
Handed down through ten generations, 1800 Tequila blends high-quality ingredients with craftsmanship. Whether you make the original, any of our variations or invent your own recipe, 1800 Tequila is the ideal way to start.
Regardless of which you make, the 1800 paloma is at the centre of everyday gatherings. Drink responsibly.