On The Town

Cinco de Mayo drink recipe

Try this Mexican favorite from La Palapa in Ellicott City.

Somehow it’s already May (!) and that means one of our favorite holidays is coming up—Cinco de Mayo. Most people will probably be celebrating on Saturday at friends’ houses or with daylong events like Fiesta de Fells.

But no matter where you’re commemorating the holiday, there is one drink you should try: the Paloma. Contrary to popular belief, the Paloma is actually the most popular tequila-based drink in Mexico, more so than the famous margarita. We’d like to think it’s because the bitterness of the grapefruit balances perfectly with tequila’s acidity instead of just lime juice alone.

We sampled a delicious Paloma recently at La Palapa Grill & Cantina on Ellicott City’s Main Street and called over to the bar to find out how they make this delicious creation:

  • 1 3/4 oz. Espolón Blacno tequila
  • 2-3 muddled lime wedges
  • squirt of Grapefruit soda

Mix all ingredients in a pint glass full of ice. Shake vigorously. Serve on the rocks in a salted cocktail glass. Leave the muddled limes in drink and garnish with lime wedge.