The Cantarito is the Paloma's regional cousin from Jalisco — built on three citrus juices instead of one, salted generously, and served in a small clay cup that gives the drink its name and, locals insist, its flavour.
The Paloma as Jalisco actually drinks it.
The Clay Cup
A cantarito is a small earthenware cup, and the drink is named for it. The unglazed clay keeps the drink cold and lends it a faint, earthy, mineral note — a genuine contribution, not just presentation. In the bars of Jalisco, it is poured no other way.
Three Juices, Not One
Where the Paloma leans on grapefruit alone, the Cantarito uses orange, lime, and grapefruit together, often with a splash of grapefruit soda to lengthen it. The extra citrus makes for a rounder, juicier, more complex drink.
Salt Is Essential
The Cantarito is generously salted — the rim of the clay cup, and often a pinch in the drink itself. Against three citrus juices and the tequila, the salt is what pulls the whole thing into focus.
The Paloma Family
Mexico's everyday favourite — tequila, lime, and grapefruit soda over ice, with a salted rim.
- 2 ozTequila
- 1/2 ozLime juice
- TopGrapefruit soda
The Paloma gone smoky — mezcal for the tequila, woodsmoke through the grapefruit.
- 2 ozMezcal
- 1/2 ozLime juice
- TopGrapefruit soda
The Paloma with a kick — fresh chilli muddled into the grapefruit and lime.
- 2 ozTequila
- 1/2 ozLime juice
- 3 slicesFresh jalapeño