Blood Orange & Elderflower Paloma
Reminiscent of a margarita, this 5-ingredient, ruby-hued Paloma cocktail is the essence of summer – blood orange, lime, elderflower cordial and soda combine for a floral and effervescent delight made in a flash.
The traditional Paloma is a blend of grapefruit juice, grapefruit soda, lime, tequila and agave syrup. My version uses blood orange for its vibrant colour and flavour. This gorgeous cocktail comes together with 5 ingredients in less than 10 minutes.
Blood oranges are seasonal, but they are well worth seeking out in the spring and summer. You can generally find them in most supermarkets and online retailers. Their flavour, a mix of sweet orange and puckery grapefruit, with hints of sour cherries and raspberries makes them a perfect base for a summer cocktail.
Here, the blood orange is complemented by elderflower cordial. Elderflower cordial is one of my favourite ingredients that adds floral notes to my recipes. You can generally find elderflower cordial in supermarkets and online, otherwise replace it with agave or homemade sugar syrup. For more details on replacing ingredients, and making your own sugar syrup, scroll down to the FAQs.
If you try this recipe, let us know how it goes! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photo #theculinarycartel on Instagram so we can see what you come up with. You can also view the video here. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
This dish is gluten free! Enjoy!
Can I replace the blood orange?
Absolutely! While you should be able to find boxed blood orange juice year round, you can substitute the blood orange juice for more traditional fresh or boxed grapefruit juice.
San Pellegrino blood orange soda is also a decent alternative, but be sure to reduce the elderflower cordial or the cocktail will be too sweet. If going this route, add the lime, half the elderflower cordial, and tequila into the mason jar. Shake and strain to a glass with fresh ice, and top with blood orange soda.
What can I use in place of elderflower cordial?
Elderflower cordial is used here to replace the more traditional agave syrup, as it’s easier to find. It is widely available online and in supermarkets. You can however replace this ingredient by combining a 50/50 solution of sugar and water and microwaving it until the sugar has completely dissolved. If you miss the floral note of the elderflower add orange blossom or rose water to taste into your sugar syrup.
What is Tajín?
Tajín is a Mexican seasoning which can be found online. The blend of salt, chilli, and lime is addictive and works perfectly to balance the sweetness in cocktails. It’s also lovely over fresh fruits. If you cant find Tajín, use another brand of chilli salt or simply garnish your rim with flaked sea salt.
Blood Orange & Elderflower Paloma
- Total Time: < 10 Minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Reminiscent of a margarita, this 5-ingredient, ruby-hued Paloma cocktail is the essence of summer. Blood orange, lime, elderflower cordial and soda combine for a floral and effervescent delight made in a flash. View the video here.
Ingredients
- Tajín or chilli salt for the rim (optional)
- 120ml Blanco Tequila
- 60ml blood orange juice (Or San Pellegrino Blood Orange soda – see recipe note)
- 30ml elderflower cordial
- 30ml lime juice
- ice
- soda to finish
Instructions
- Rub a segment of your blood orange around the rim of two glasses, then dip the rims in Tajín or chilli salt
- To a mason jar or cocktail shaker add the elderflower cordial, blood orange, tequila and lime juice. Shake until chilled and combined.
- Strain the mixture over fresh ice, top with soda and stir gently to combine.*
Notes
*If using blood orange soda, halve the elderflower cordial and shake it with the lime and tequila only. Strain over fresh ice as above, and top with blood orange soda.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaker
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 255.78kcal
- Sugar: 14.18g
- Sodium: 208.59mg
- Fat: 0.01g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15.76g
- Fiber: 0.06g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0g
