![Royal Paloma](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/AmUsBrrIMe8pJeINHHu0Ph6pjkE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Royal-Paloma-FT-BLOG1022-fa8987b7340c46bb8e473397428a90bf.png)
The classic Paloma cocktail is thought to have been invented in the 1950s in Mexico, and featured blanco tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit-flavored soda. ("Paloma," which means dove in Spanish, possibly refers to the color of the drink — many grapefruit sodas popular in this drink, such as Squirt, are white in color.) This Royal Paloma is an invigorating twist on the original from Carlton McCoy — the host of CNN's Nomad and a master sommelier. McCoy's Royal Paloma cocktail is crafted to balance tart grapefruit juice, floral orange liqueur, and smooth tequila with a hint of anise-flavored Pernod, all topped with lemon tonic water. A fresh fennel frond garnish reinforces the flavor of the Pernod with its licorice-like fragrance.
To make cracked ice, place one ice cube at a time in the palm of your hand, and tap with the back of a bar spoon to break apart. Alternatively, place about two cups of ice cubes in a quart-size ziplock plastic bag, and tap each cube once with a meat mallet to break apart. For the most striking presentation, place the grapefruit half-moon slice into the glass, pressing it against the wall of the glass before adding the ice and the rest of the ingredients.
Ingredients
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¼ cup (2 ounces) blanco tequila (such as Lobos 1707)
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2 tablespoons (1 ounce) orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
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2 tablespoons fresh grapefruit juice (from 1 grapefruit)
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1 teaspoon anise-flavored liqueur (such as Pernod)
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Cracked ice
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1 thin grapefruit half-moon slice
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¼ cup lemon tonic water (such as Fever-Tree Lemon Tonic)
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Fennel frond, for garnish
Directions
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Stir together tequila, orange liqueur, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, and anise-flavored liqueur in a cocktail mixing glass. Add cracked ice to mixing glass to fill about two-thirds of the way full. Stir until well chilled, about 15 seconds.
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Arrange grapefruit half-moon slice against the inside of a large Collins glass (at least 12 ounces); fill glass three-fourths of the way full with cracked ice. Strain cocktail into prepared glass, and top with lemon tonic water. Garnish with fennel frond.