Yesterday was Cinco de Mayo – one of my top three favorite holidays of the year! . . . My other two are National Tequila Day and Halloween 🙂

I’m not able to drink right now, so that was kind of a bummer, but oh well c’est la vie. One of these days I am going to make the perfect cross between a Paloma and a Margarita. Why? Well – according to Bon Appetit the Paloma, not the Margarita, is Mexico’s most beloved cocktail — and I love margaritas!

Alas, for now, I am going to have to settle on crafting the perfect recipe. My inspirations come from Brandy at Pretty Plain Janes and mixologist Philip Ward c/o Food & Wine. Ok, here we go:

INGREDENTS:

• Kosher salt
• Ice
• 2oz blanco tequila
• 2oz orange liqueur (ie. Triple Sec or Cointreau)
• 1oz freshly squeezed lime juice (1 lime)
• 2oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (1/2 of a grapefruit)
• Agave or simple syrup to taste (Philip Ward recommends 1/2 an ounce?)
• 1oz chilled club soda
• 1 lime wedge, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Rub a lime wedge on the edge of your empty glasse if you and rim in salt — if you like your tequila drinks like that. I myself am a “no-salt” tequila cocktail kinda girl. However, Brandy (from Pretty Plain Janes) says make sure you don’t skimp on the the salt — it really helps bring out the flavor of the tequila and grapefruit. And a pro tip from her (if I do say so myself): If you don’t like it on the rim of the glass, try sneaking it into the actual drink instead!
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
4. Combine the tequila and the juices:
   – tequila
   – orange liqueur (Triple Sec)
   – freshly squeezed lime juice
   – freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
5. Shake well.
6. Strain into the glass
7. Stir in the club soda
8. Add agave or simple syrup to taste if you want some extra sweetness in your drink.
9. Pour into your prepared glasses and serve – garnish with a lime wedge.
10. Cheers!