The weather’s getting warmer, and it’s time – yes, already – to start thinking about what we want to drink when summer shows up. In DC, hot and sweaty summer is always around the corner. Fortunately, Tequila makes for some pretty great summer cocktails, including this refreshing Bittersweet Paloma. – Andrew

Bittersweet Paloma

2 oz Reposado Tequila
1 oz Lime Juice
1 oz Simple Syrup
Grapefruit India Pale Ale

Combine the Tequila, lime juice, and syrup in a shaker filled with ice and shake gently. Strain into a rocks glass or highball filled with fresh ice. Top with the IPA and garnish with a lime wheel. Enjoy!

The original Paloma, a popular Tequila cocktail in Mexico, combines Tequila with grapefruit soda. This version replaces the grapefruit soda with grapefruit-flavored beer, keeping the original’s tart fruitiness and effervescence but adding in a big, bitter kick. The lime and syrup, also additions, help tame the IPA’s bitterness a bit. It’s a fun, snappy drink, perfect for watching the sunset on a hot summer evening.

(Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, where we’ve been posting our experiments before they make their way onto this column!)

Glassware by Liquorary

Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper