Artbites - Kumquat Paloma

Maite Gomez-Rejón’s recipe was inspired by The Huntington’s historic orange groves. Learn how Henry E. Huntington intended to use his orange groves to subsidize his plans for a public institution.

Citrus fruits are native to a region stretching from East Asia southwards to Australia. We see lemons mentioned in religious Indian texts dating as far back as 800 B.C. Citrus trees were introduced to the Americas in 1493 and within 20 years they were abundant, eventually culminating in the large industries that now exist in Florida and California.

Traditionally made with grapefruit juice and soda, this paloma variation includes fresh kumquats.

Kumquat Paloma Recipe
1/4 cup kosher salt
1 wedge lime
4 kumquats, sliced
1 slice grapefruit
1 1/2 ounce blanco tequila
1/2 ounce orange liqueur
3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
1/4 ounce agave nectar
splash club soda

Spread salt on a small plate. Rub lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip into the salt and lightly coat. Set aside.

In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle 4 kumquats and 1 slice grapefruit. Add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and agave nectar.

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice and shake for about 30 seconds.

Fill the prepared glass with ice and strain the chilled paloma into the prepared glass. Top with a slash of club soda.

Makes 1 cocktail

Recipe courtesy of Maite Gomez-Rejón