When thinking of Mexican cocktails, you’ll most likely think of margaritas.

But, there are other options. And the Paloma is one of them.

The Paloma is made with tequila, lime juice, grapefruit soda (or fresh juice), and a pinch of salt. The grapefruit soda, Jarritos, that is used in this drink can be hard to find in the U.S. Alternatives are any lemon-lime soda (such as Fresca), or you can use fresh grapefruit juice and club soda instead.

To this day, I’m not a fan of grapefruit (although that doesn’t seem to apply to grapefruit-flavored candy) and so I decided to go the Fresca route. I also decided to add some cranberry juice for color and added flavor.

Red paloma cocktail

For the version I’m featuring here you’ll need:

2 oz Tequila resposado
cranberry juice
Fresca soda

You can use ice, but if you keep the juice and soda cold enough, it really won’t be necessary (and doesn’t water down the alcohol). But, that’s just a personal preference of mine.

Put tequila in your glass, fill half way with cranberry juice, and then top with fresca. Et violá, you have your red paloma.