Blood Orange + Thyme Paloma

I’m not normally a fan of drinks that include sweet soda (with the very specific exception of a Moscow Mule) but when I came across this one, I had to give it a try. I’ve heard that the paloma almost beats the margarita for the most popular drink in Mexico, which surprises me considering that up until I made this one I had never tried any version of it. It’s usually made with grapefruit soda which sounds right up my alley, but there’s something about the blood orange and thyme that just begged to be combined in this version. Why deny what’s meant to be? I love how easy this cocktail is to make yet it has the vibe of being complex and artisanal. It would be perfect made in a big batch for a soiree or for even just a casual taco night at home.

MAKE IT

2 oz silver tequila
4 oz all natural blood orange soda (I used Whole Foods brand)
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
leaves of 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, roughly chopped
thyme sprig for garnish
1 blood orange (slices for garnish)
sea salt

Combine the salt and thyme on a small plate. Use as much or as little salt as you like – I like to mix in a little sugar too since I don’t like too much salt. Crush the mixture together with your fingers. Wet the rim of a glass with lime and cover with the thyme salt. Add in a few ice cubes, and then top with the tequila, lime juice, soda and stir. Garnish with a blood orange slice and thyme sprig.

Photography by Jen Lauren Grant

Recipe adapted from Aida Mollenkamp