World Paloma Day: Mexico’s Favourite Cocktail

It may only have its own day since 2019, but 22nd May is fast becoming a calendar highlight for cocktail lovers everywhere. World Paloma Day, a celebration of Mexico’s most beloved drink. Light, zesty, and effortlessly refreshing, the Paloma has a backstory worthy of a Benoit Blanc whodunnit. So, pour yourself a glass and settle in for the mystery…

The Paloma Enigma

While the Margarita might get top billing internationally, in Mexico it’s the Paloma that holds the crown. Traditionally made with Blanco tequila, grapefruit soda (especially the brand Squirt), and a squeeze of lime. It’s a cocktail that captures the laid-back spirit of Mexican culture — crisp, citrusy and easy to love. But here’s the twist: no one really knows who invented it.

Don Javier Delgado Corona

Some credit goes to Don Javier Delgado Corona, the iconic owner of La Capilla bar in Tequila, Mexico. But in true mysterious fashion, he never actually claimed the drink as his own. What we do know is that the Paloma couldn’t have existed before 1938. This when Squirt first hit shelves in Arizona, not Mexico.

Squirt Tequila Mixer

By the 1950s, ads promoting Squirt as a tequila mixer started to appear. But, officials officially imported Squirt into Mexico in 1955. This opens possibility that the Paloma might be a US creation, only for Mexico to wholeheartedly embrace it. A cultural cocktail crossover, if you will.

From Secret Sip to Global Star

In 2019, Cenote Tequila officially launched World Paloma Day, giving this fan-favourite cocktail the spotlight it deserved. The following year, Jose Cuervo added fuel to the fiesta by releasing a ready-to-drink Paloma. Donating profits to The Drinks Trust, a UK charity supporting drinks industry workers since 1886.

The Perfect Double Dutch Paloma

If you’re looking for a fresh, premium twist on the original, we’ve got just the recipe for you:

Ingredients

• 50ml Tequila
• Squeeze of lime juice
• Pink Himalayan salt
• Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda
• Slice of pink grapefruit (to garnish)

Method

Wet the rim of your glass with lime juice and dip it in salt. Fill with ice, pour over the tequila, and add a squeeze of fresh lime. Top with Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda, stir gently, and garnish with a slice of grapefruit. ¡Salud!

View the full recipe here.

Paloma Diablo – The Double Dutch Twist

Meet our fiery remix of the classic: a bold blend of citrus and spice that adds some serious kick.

Ingredients

• 50ml Reposado Tequila
• 15ml Fresh lime juice
• 10ml Agave syrup
• Tajín seasoning (for the rim)
• 150ml Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda
• Grapefruit slice & fresh chilli (to garnish)

Method

Rim your glass with lime and Tajín. Shake tequila, lime juice and agave syrup with ice, strain into your glass, and top with Double Dutch Pink Grapefruit Soda. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a sliver of chilli for that extra punch.

View the full recipe here.

How the Paloma Evolved

As with any timeless cocktail, the Paloma has had its glow-up moments. In the US especially, bartenders began swapping soda for fresh grapefruit and lime juice. Topping off with sparkling water or grapefruit tonics. Meanwhile, creative twists emerged — think agave syrup, infused liqueurs, and spiced salt rims.

Replacing Tequila

Some even take it a step further by replacing the tequila altogether. At Selva in Oaxaca, the Paloma gets a local spin using a palm spirit called Agua de Taberna with dry curaçao. Proof that a great drink always inspires reinvention.

Find Your Perfect Paloma This World Paloma Day

Whether you’re loyal to the traditional mix or ready to try a remix, World Paloma Day is your perfect excuse to sip, savour, and celebrate a cocktail as mysterious as it is delicious.

One thing’s for sure: with Double Dutch by your side, there’s no wrong way to Paloma.