We love taking classic cocktails and adding a unique spin to the recipe to match the season, occasion, or holiday. This fall, we’re taking the sour-sweet Paloma and giving it an autumnal refresh. As the weather outside just starts to turn this September, we’re trading the drink’s summery pink shade for a cozy, fireside glow. Equal parts bright, spiced, and sparkling, it’s the perfect bridge between cozy sweater moments and champagne-worthy celebrations. It’s so good, we’re crowning it the official Drink of the Fall. Here’s everything you need to know to make it this season.
The ingredients:
Crisp tequila perfectly pairs here with the warmth of cinnamon, and the traditional bright lime and grapefruit bring the Paloma flavor you know and love. Agave spirits are having a huge moment in the bar world, and using reposado tequila as the base spirit adds a gorgeous depth and richness to this cocktail. That said, you should be able to swap for blanco tequila if that’s what you’ve got.
The secret star is sparkling apple juice, adding a fresh sweetness that makes every sip taste like it’s straight from the orchard. It’s familiar enough for Paloma lovers, but with a festive twist that’ll keep you coming back for more.
The garnishes:
Since this is THE Drink of the Fall, we thought we’d have a little fun with the accoutrements here, adding a cinnamon-sugar rim, a playful grapefruit half-moon, and a crisp apple fan. Feel free to keep it simple, or get even more creative with it.
Make it a mocktail:
We want everyone to be able to enjoy this fun autumnal drink, including those who aren’t drinking alcohol. To turn this non-alcoholic, simply omit the tequila and increase the amounts of all the other liquids.
Cheers to the Drink of the Fall! If you made this, rate it and comment below to let us know how it went.
