Paloma

Ingredients

2 ounces tequila blanca

2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice (preferable a pink grapefruit)

1/2 ounce lime juice

1/4 ounce agave nectar or simple syrup to taste

Pinch of salt

Grapefruit slice for garnish

Optional - Salt for the rim (margarita or very coarse kosher salt)

Equipment

Shaker and strainer

Citrus juicer

Rocks glass

Recipe

Taste the grapefruit juice for sweetness and increase the agave nectar (or simple syrup), if too tart. If your guests like a salted rim, wipe the rim with the spent lime or grapefruit segment and then roll half the edge (not top) of the glass in margarita salt. Measure all ingredients and add to the shaker of ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Boozy substitution - Replace the agave nectar with up to 1/2 ounce grapefruit liqueur if you happen to have some at hand.

Cheater notes - skip the fresh juices all together and use 3 ounces of grapefruit soda (skip the agave as well if the soda is presweetened - like Squirt).

Halloween option - this cocktail works really well with the addition of a capsule of activated charcoal. Just empty the capsule into the shaker with all ingredients before adding ice and stir well. Then add your ice, shake well, strain and serve as a spooky treat.