Lo-Fi Paloma — A paloma with gentian amaro standing beside the tequila

Lo-Fi Paloma

A paloma with gentian amaro standing beside the tequila

Number of people

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ozLo-Fi Gentian Amaro
    Equal billing with the tequila, not a modifier
    Substitute: Another floral gentian aperitif
  • 1 1/2 ozBlanco Tequila
    A clean blanco; the amaro brings the flowers
  • 1 pinchSalt
    For half the rim only
  • 4 ozGrapefruit Soda
    To the top, over ice
    Substitute: Soda water and a grapefruit squeeze

Instructions

  1. Salt half the rim of a highball glass and fill it with ice

    Half the rim, so you can still take a sip without it

  2. Add 1 1/2 oz Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro and 1 1/2 oz blanco tequila
  3. Top with 4 oz grapefruit soda and stir lightly
  4. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit

Technique Notes

Salt the rim before anything else goes in, and rim only half of it. Grapefruit soda is already sweet and the amaro is already floral; a full salt rim leaves you no way to take a sip without it.

Why the Lo-Fi Paloma Works

Gentian and grapefruit are the same bitterness from two directions, one earthy and one bright. That is why the amaro can take an equal share with the tequila without crowding the drink: it is agreeing with the mixer rather than competing with it.