The Other Side of the Tortilla

toronja

Ensalada Xec: Mayan Citrus and Jicama Salad

23 · · 8 Comments

Ensalada xec (xec is Mayan for “mixed,” and is sometimes spelled as “xeec,” “xek” or “xe’ek” and is pronounced “shek”) is a staple in the Yucatan region and is sometimes also made as a salsa without the jicama.

This great crunchy, spicy, juicy citrus salad from the East Coast of Mexico is the perfect healthy snack, and the best time of year to enjoy it is between January and April when both grapefruit and oranges are in season.

Grapefruit, orange, jicama, cilantro and habanero chile salad
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How to make a Paloma Margarita

55 · · 10 Comments

A paloma is a refreshing, classic Mexican cocktail. Some people call it a margarita, some don’t; it depends where you’re from. Some people also call this drink a “paloma tequila.” 

Traditionally, it has tequila in it, and is part of the margarita family, but if you’re not a drinker you can leave the tequila out for a homemade grapefruit soda—technically a“toronjada.”

Mexican paloma cocktail

The drink is often made with grapefruit-flavored soda such as Jarritos de toronja or Peñafiel toronja or even Squirt or Fresca, but I also like to make the classic recipe with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and agua mineral (sparkling water) for a little fizz.

How to make a paloma cocktail, a classy Mexican grapefrult margarita. Recipe via theothersideofthetortilla.com

If you love margaritas, you should also try these recipes:

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National Tequila Day - Paloma recipe

Paloma Margarita

  • Author: Maura Wall Hernandez
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 cups 1x
  • Category: Beverages
  • Cuisine: Mexican
Print Recipe

Description

A paloma is a classic and original Mexican tequila cocktail made with grapefruit juice, mineral water, tequila and sugar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons pure cane sugar (not refined white sugar; I use Zulka Azúcar Morena Pure Cane Sugar)
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • One 12.5-ounce bottle of agua mineral (sparkling water), chilled
  • 3 grapefruits, juiced (should yield about 1.5 cups of juice) and one slice for garnishing
  • 1/4 cup tequila blanco
  • Optional: A small pinch of kosher salt in each glass

Instructions

  1. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of pure cane sugar in 1/4 cup of water to make a simple syrup. Set aside.
  2. Juice the grapefruit into a large measuring cup. If you’d like to garnish the glasses or float a small wedge, be sure to cut one quarter-inch thick slice from one grapefruit before you do all the juicing.
  3. Over a pitcher, strain the grapefruit juice to remove any pulp or seeds. Add the simple syrup mixture, 1/4 cup tequila blanco and the chilled agua mineral to the pitcher. Stir well.
  4. Garnish with grapefruit wedges or twists and serve over ice.

Notes

Zulka Azúcar Morena Pure Cane Sugar is a Mexican brand of granulated cane sugar sold at many Latin grocers and can also be purchased online.

Keywords: margarita, paloma, cocktail