In Cooking from Every Angle, we hear from our fearless leaders: Food52 co-founders Amanda & Merrill.
Today: Merrill reimagines the classic tequila cocktail, the Paloma -- brought to you by Patrón Tequila. Sign up now for a chance to dine at the next Patrón Secret Dining Society.
![Watermelon Paloma from Food52](https://images.food52.com/wLL9fds6WDJkDCXQca8cfigZvjk=/55302bdb-be78-4454-8f4c-cf50f90ca181--9524214953_978278f746_z.jpg)
No, this isn't really a Paloma. It's missing the one key ingredient (grapefruit) that distinguishes a Paloma from most other tequila cocktails -- and instead calls on watermelon, that quintessential American summer treat, to do fruit duty.
![Paloma](https://images.food52.com/CHZd2NWniDsfELiRt3kJyP7i6ps=/1830e6e0-bef3-4e0a-a91b-f6bebf9703f9--9524215107_44696cd897_z.jpg)
But the word Paloma is so lovely (in case you didn't know, it means "dove" in Spanish) I couldn't resist borrowing it. Plus, the whole point of a Paloma is to be refreshing, which this drink certainly is. So I thought maybe I could get away with it.
![Patron](https://images.food52.com/LqrqhP1zmGh6ASzHk2VU-EHBlas=/c0b52062-584c-4c55-9ce5-51a820278342--9527000720_fc50ee416c_z.jpg)
In order to make this Paloma imposter, you'll need to start with fresh watermelon juice. If you have a blender or a food processor, it's just as easy to make a lot as it is to make a little; I recommend buying a whole (small) watermelon and whizzing up the entire thing in a couple of batches. You'll have beautiful pink juice in your fridge for the week, which you can drink on its own or use in any number of other ways.
More: Use your leftover watermelon juice to make this watermelon lemonade.
Watermelon Paloma
Makes one cocktail, with extra watermelon juice
1 small watermelon (about 5 pounds), cubed
1 1/2 ounces tequila blanca
1/4 cup watermelon juice
Juice of 1/2 a lime
Club soda
See the full recipe (and save and print it) here.
Photos by James Ransom
Want a chance to experience creative cocktails like this and a 4-course dinner prepared by a celebrated chef? The next Patrón Secret Dining Society is right around the corner. Sign up now for a chance to join the fun.
This article was brought to you by Patrón Tequila.
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