FOOD NEWS
The Cantarito Is The Tart Mexican Cocktail Paloma Fans Will Adore
BY NIKITA EPHANOV
If you’re craving a summery cocktail with the zing of grapefruit, try the cantarito, a Mexican cocktail similar to the Paloma but with a few refreshing tweaks.
Like Palomas, the cantarito is made of grapefruit and lime juice but with additions like grapefruit soda, orange juice, salt, and an optional chamoy, Tajín, or chile powder rim.
The drink is named after the clay cup it's served in, which insulates the drink and alters its flavor due to its alkalinity, adding an earthiness and temping the sourness.
While the cocktail's origins are unknown, the clay cup it's served in originated as a large jug in the Jalisco region. The drink first popped up at roadside restaurants.
A cantarito starts with reposado or Blanco tequila mixed with a juice made of equal parts grapefruit and orange juices with a touch of lime. Then, it's topped with grapefruit soda.
To serve, place the cantarito cup in cold water to wet the clay. Stir the liquor and juice with ice in the jar, top with soda, and garnish with a pinch of salt and citrus slices.