Star-Spangled Paloma with Ruby Red Grapefruit and Blue Curaçao

How to Make Star-Spangled Paloma with Ruby Red Grapefruit and Blue Curaçao

1. 1

   Step 1: Prep and rim glasses

   Run a ruby red grapefruit wedge around the rim of 4 highball glasses, then dip rims into a shallow plate of kosher salt to coat. Chill the rimmed glasses briefly in the freezer while you mix the cocktail to keep the drink bright and cold.

   For this step

   • 2 tbspkosher salt (for rimming)
   • 4 piecesruby red grapefruit wedges (for wetting rim and garnish)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Shake tequila, juices, and sweetener

   In a cocktail shaker add the blanco tequila, fresh ruby red grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. Add plenty of ice, cap the shaker, and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled and slightly frothy.

   For this step

   • 8 fl ozblanco tequila
   • 12 fl ozfresh ruby red grapefruit juice
   • 2 fl ozfresh lime juice
   • 4 tbspagave syrup
   • 4 cupsice cubes
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Build and top with soda

   Fill each rimmed glass with fresh ice cubes. Strain the shaken mixture evenly into the glasses, then top each with about 3 fl oz (75–90 ml) of club soda to add effervescence. Stir once gently to combine the base with soda while keeping it light.

   For this step

   • 12 fl ozclub soda
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Float the Blue Curaçao

   To create the star-spangled effect, slowly pour 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) Blue Curaçao over the back of a spoon held just above the surface of each drink so the blue lingers as a delicate layer. For a stronger visual, pour a thin stream down the inside edge of the glass so it hugs the side.

   For this step

   • 2 fl ozBlue Curaçao (for floating/color)
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Garnish and serve

   Garnish each cocktail with a ruby red grapefruit wheel or wedge (you already used wedges to rim the glass), and optionally a small mint sprig. Serve immediately and encourage guests to gently stir to mingle the blue layer with the pink grapefruit base for a fun color swirl.
   

1. Run a ruby red grapefruit wedge around the rim of 4 highball glasses, then dip rims into a shallow plate of kosher salt to coat. Chill the rimmed glasses briefly in the freezer while you mix the cocktail to keep the drink bright and cold.
2. In a cocktail shaker add the blanco tequila, fresh ruby red grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. Add plenty of ice, cap the shaker, and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled and slightly frothy.
3. Fill each rimmed glass with fresh ice cubes. Strain the shaken mixture evenly into the glasses, then top each with about 3 fl oz (75–90 ml) of club soda to add effervescence. Stir once gently to combine the base with soda while keeping it light.
4. To create the star-spangled effect, slowly pour 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) Blue Curaçao over the back of a spoon held just above the surface of each drink so the blue lingers as a delicate layer. For a stronger visual, pour a thin stream down the inside edge of the glass so it hugs the side.
5. Garnish each cocktail with a ruby red grapefruit wheel or wedge (you already used wedges to rim the glass), and optionally a small mint sprig. Serve immediately and encourage guests to gently stir to mingle the blue layer with the pink grapefruit base for a fun color swirl.