The Perfect Paloma

There is nothing quite like summertime in Southern California.  With the exception of the occasional heat wave, it's sunny, breezy and exactly as you might expect.  When I moved here almost seven years ago, I thought I would stay a year and then pack my bags and head back to Austin.  When that next August rolled around, though, I was totally and completely hooked.  This summer Blair, our editorial assistant, is celebrating her very first Californiaversary so we thought we would pay tribute to the occasion with a very California cocktail-- the oh-so-fresh-and-citrusy Paloma!

Since there are more farmer's markets per square mile in SoCal then anywhere else in the world, naturally all of our citrusy produce came from just around the corner at our local market.  Is anything better than fresh squeezed grapefruit juice?  I am currently more than a little addicted!

The recipe for these is really easy: In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of tequila, 2 ounces of grapefruit juice, the juice of half a lime, and a splash of homemade simple syrup for each cocktail.  Shake many times until shaker becomes frosty on the outside.  Fill each glass about ¾ full and then top off with club soda or Ginger Ale for a little bit of a sweeter taste.

Glasses, West Elm / Napkins, Mark and Graham / Tray, West Elm

Pillows, West Elm / Tank, Rag & Bone / Necklace, Story Company

Photography by Melissa Valladares