The 10 Best Tequilas For A Paloma
You'd be hard-pressed to come across a cocktail more refreshing than a Paloma. According to Texas Monthly, though a margarita might be the first tequila-based beverage that comes to mind for American imbibers, many consider the Paloma to be the National Drink of Mexico. However, the original recipe is not as fancy as it has become in the United States.
In short, a true Paloma is nothing more than tequila and a grapefruit soda. However, modern cocktail connoisseurs have normalized using fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, seltzer or soda water, and of course, tequila (via Alcademics). Whether you are looking for something vibrant and fresh to sip on under the sun or you're in need of a new nightcap recipe, the tequila you choose makes a huge difference in the quality of your cocktail experience. That's why we've rounded up the best tequilas that are suited to anchor a crisp and cool Paloma.
Maestro Dobel Diamante
Maestro Dobel is a top-notch brand that has mastered the art of tequila-making. In fact, the distillery has 11 generations of history behind it, proving that tradition makes a difference in the quality and taste of tequila. It has also managed to stand apart from the competition by creating the first cristalino tequila in the world. According to The Village Voice, cristalino tequila is also called "diamond-level" tequila, hence the name Maestro Dobel Diamante. The tequila combines reposado, añejo, and extra añejo varieties into one single spirit with a complex flavor that is unlike any other. However, the filtration process then removes all coloring, resulting in a clear and crisp liquor that is refreshing and easy to drink.
Due to the fact that it is double-filtered, Maestro Dobel Diamante delivers optimal smoothness. According to the brand's website, Maestro Dobel Diamante is considered to be the star product out of all of the brand's offerings, and it is made with 100% pure agave. The amazing body plus the bright flavor is exactly what you want when crafting the perfect Paloma.
Arette Blanco
If you're looking for a solid tequila addition to your Paloma that is available at an affordable price (the average cost for a bottle is currently $22), consider Arette Blanco. It boasts a fresh flavor and bold aroma, with many people picking up on hints of pepper. It is made from 100% agave, and though it may not be your best bet as a sipping spirit, it's well-suited for cocktails.
This double-distilled tequila comes in an elegant bottle that features a teal label and cap, adding a nice pop of color to your collection. Using Arette Blanco in your Paloma recipe will give you a tangy finish that will have you coming back for seconds. For those heat seekers out there who enjoy a fiery Paloma, the Arette Blanco has a natural kick to it, making it a great tequila to pair with muddled jalapeño for an extra spicy sensation.
Patrón Silver
Patrón is one of the more familiar names in the world of tequila. The brand's high quality offerings are crafted with zero additives, making it a clean option for sipping or mixing. Patrón also places an emphasis on allowing the agave plant to ripen before uprooting it. The result is a smooth spirit that offers an ideal pairing with the acidity of the grapefruit in a Paloma cocktail.
While Patrón offers several different kinds of tequila, when it comes to making a Paloma, Patrón Silver is the way to go thanks to its delicate flavor and balance. While Patrón Reposado is another fan favorite, it has an oaky taste that might overshadow the refreshing grapefruit flavor in a Paloma. If you prefer to amp up the citrus notes of your Paloma, consider taking your cocktail up a notch with the more expensive Roca Patrón Silver.
Calle 23 Blanco
Calle 23 promotes a passion for tequila-making and emphasizes that it uses traditional methods to craft its signature spirit. According to Long Island Lou Tequila, the brand's blue agave is sourced from The Highlands of Jalisco, which is one of the best places in the world for growing the plant. The sunny and dry season is followed by lots of rain, resulting in extremely fertile soil that is high in minerals and nutrients which is ideal for growing agave.
Though all of their tequilas are top-notch, Calle 23 Blanco pairs especially well with the acidity of the grapefruit in a Paloma. This un-aged tequila offers a crystalline appearance that looks stunning through the glass bottle. The cooked agave adds a nice kick and the medium body avoids being too heavy or light (via Tequila Matchmaker). As for the flavor, there is a fruit-forward aftertaste that is perfect for enhancing the citrus in a Paloma.
Don Julio Blanco
Don Julio is a very common and well-known brand that you can find at most bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. When it comes to making a Paloma, Don Julio Blanco is a solid option thanks to its crisp nature and clean finish. According to Liquor.com, Don Julio Blanco features tropical fruit flavors that are quite noticeable, allowing it to pair nicely with the refreshing flavors of grapefruit. Adding a little carbonation also enhances the brightness of this tequila, which is exactly what you want when attempting to make a thirst-quenching Paloma.
After harvesting agave that is considered to be older and more mature, the plants undergo a three-day cooking process that uses a slow and steady method to yield top-notch results (via Spirits Review). While it definitely shines in a Paloma or a margarita, Don Julio Blanco can also be served on the rocks for a smooth and enjoyable nightcap in the evenings.
Curado Tequila Blanco
Curado Tequila sells some of the most beautiful bottles of tequila you can find. The colorful designs feature stunning images of Alebrijes that are sure to stand out in any bar. But it's what's inside the bottle which earns this spirit a spot on this list. Thanks to wood-fermented tanks, Curado Tequila Blanco is very earthy and delicate, making in excellent option for perfecting your Paloma.
According to Curado's official website, this innovative brand is also the first tequila to ever be infused with cooked agave, giving it a rich history and credibility that you can trust. The lack of barrel aging and added sugar results in a crisp and clean flavor. Supporting the Curado brand also means supporting traditional methods and culture. Whether you are planning to buy a bottle for yourself so that you can enjoy a Paloma at home or you choose to give a beautiful bottle to a friend, this is an authentic brand that you can feel great about backing.
Tapatio Blanco 110
Tequila Tapatío is a favorite in Mexico and has been for more than 80 years. According to Charbay Distillery, the brand was started by Don Felipe Camarena in 1937, though the roots of Tapatío can be traced all the way back to the early 1800s. Since Camarena came from a family that worked in the tequila distilling industry, he was able to perfect the art and bring forth this beloved spirit.
The entire process is handcrafted, resulting in a smooth yet slightly spicy taste. The Tapatío Blanco is double distilled and then aged in stainless steel for six months. This 80-proof spirit pairs great with a variety of mixers, though its faint notes of citrus blends in nicely with most Paloma recipes. An even better addition, however, is the extra-strength Tapatío Blanco 110 which offers a higher intensity (per the name, its alcohol by volume is a hefty 55%) without a loss of smoothness.
Casamigos Blanco
Casamigos is an undeniable force in the spirits world. It was named Tequila Brand Champion 2021 by The Spirits Business, but its not just A-list founder George Clooney that has earned the label its superstar status. The tequila is that good. Though its añejo and reposado are your best bets for sipping, put some Casamigos Blanco in your Paloma for a tasty treat.
Made with 100% blue Weber agave that is aged for a minimum of seven years, Casamigos Blanco has a clear color and fruit-forward flavor. The flavor of Casamigos Blanco is pretty unique compared to other brands, and this can be attributed to the 80-hour fermentation process. As a bonus, the bottle is minimalist and refined, and it blends in perfectly when placed on a modern bar. If you are a fan of mezcal, Casamigos produces that too, and it's a great bet for fans of a smoky Paloma.
Milagro Silver
From the modern, eye-catching blue bottle to the bright and crisp taste, Milagro Silver Tequila boasts top-notch quality and excellent value. This crystal clear spirit offers natural citrus flavors and aromas, making it the perfect complement for a citrusy Paloma. If you are looking for a subtle tequila that will blend in well with your cocktail, this is one of your best bets.
Though it is best for cocktail making, Milagro Silver is smooth enough to sip. That being said, we recommend pairing it with grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a little sugar for the perfect Paloma. If you are looking to branch out and add some more variety to your tequila collection, Milagro Reposado and Milagro Añejo are both worth checking out. However, Milagro Silver takes the cake on being the best option for mixing, shaking, and pouring over ice for a refreshing Paloma in the evening.
Gran Centenario Añejo
Though we typically recommend using tequila blanco for a Paloma, Gran Centenario Añejo is an exception. This small batch brand has been making tequila since 1857, so you can be sure that you're getting a high quality product. Made in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, Gran Centenario tequilas undergo a special process that allows them to stand apart from the crowd. In addition to being made from 100% agave, the Gran Centenario brand has invented a process that has completely changed the game. By adding older tequila reserves to new blends, flavor and smoothness reach their peak for the ultimate tequila-tasting experience.
Gran Centenario's añejo in particular has a rich flavor and vibrant aroma that pairs nicely with the refreshing flavors of grapefruit and lime. It offers the best of both worlds in regards to complexity and softness, and the new American oak barrels the tequila is aged in take its quality to the next level.