The Iced Paloma is fruity, sweet, icy, and tart cocktail. It’s a lovely drink on a warm day and a perfect way to celebrate Mexican culture for the upcoming Cinco de Mayo!

This cocktail is based on a granita which is an Italian-style flavoured soft ice. Granita is so easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. All that is needed is a freezer, a large container, and a fork. It’s lovely on its own but also makes a lovely base for a cocktail. Unlike crushed ice, the granita will not dilute the drink as it melts so it’s ideal for slow-sipping enjoyment. If your a slurper you may top it up with more tequila and soft drink as you go although this will get messy rather quickly (as things involving tequila often do!).

Enjoy (in moderation)!

Grapefruit & Lime Granita
best made a day ahead

4 cups (1 litre) red grapefruit juice
3/4 cup (180ml) sugar syrup
juice of 2 limes (about 1/2 cup)

Mix together in a large plastic container (ideal size about 20x30x5cm or 8x12x2inches). Place in the freezer. Once it starts to freeze scrape with a fork. Keep checking on it and scraping it until it is all frozen into fine icy crystals.

This quantity will be enough for at least 6 Iced Paloma cocktails.

Iced Paloma
for one cocktail

Granita
60ml tequila
150ml citrus soda (such as Jarritos or Schweppes Agrum)
squeeze of fresh lime juice (optional)
garnish (such as a slice of grapefruit)

Spoon the granita into a tall glass. Add the tequila, soda and a squeeze of lime. Garnish. Serve and enjoy immediately!