Celebrate World Paloma Day
To celebrate World Paloma Day, Maestro Dobel Tequila has teamed up with two bars to create modern twists on the Mexican classic.
By Hayley Dixon, Spirit Specialist, Proximo Spirits
As World Paloma Day approaches, Tequila finds itself at the forefront of people’s minds again. Despite the widespread belief that the Margarita is the national drink of Mexico, the Paloma takes the crown. This year Maestro Dobel Tequila has teamed up with two of Australia’s most innovative venues, to bring you two creative twists on the Paloma cocktail.
NICK CORLETTO, MAYBE MAE, ADELAIDE
What sets Maybe Mae apart in terms of innovation in cocktails?
It’s almost a self-feeding cycle in some terms, we have our own R&D track which keeps interesting ingredients being made year-round, following the seasons. As we play with new seasonal produce to create different ingredients, our approach, philosophy, and experience has changed from one year to the next as we’ve grown as bartenders. Fresh perspectives and learning from our past are a privilege in our position.
“I’m a huge fan of La Perla. Equal parts reposado tequila and Fino or Manzanilla sherry, with a half part of poire william. It’s a mega refreshing aperitivo thanks to the sherry component, and I feel that Diamante pairs supremely well with orchard fruits as well.”
How did you utilise Maestro Dobel to craft your version of the Paloma?
Our cocktail is designed to complement the smooth and enriching palate of Maestro Dobel. The Diamante’s rich flavour profile is a careful balance of vanilla oak and importantly a full, fruity body. The spirit itself is designed to be fresh and full of flavour; and so, by using a balance of citrus elements with freshness and big palate impact, we have made a long, easy drinking Paloma riff where the flavours are constructed in a manner that amplifies the clarity and intensity of this great spirit.
Maybe Mae’s Paloma Flavour Profile:
- Maestro Dobel Diamante
- Local Yuzu
- Imperial Mandarin Skin
- Lemon Aspen Soda
What is your fondest memory of the humble Paloma cocktail?
A great friend of mine Luke Fleming and I used to work in an Irish pub known as the Dublin when we were in our early twenties. I recall his best Paloma riff being the Copamelo: tequila, red grapefruit juice, coconut water, soda, and some form of sweetener I can’t remember. It was garnished with Red Grapefruit and Finger Guns. Seriously.
Aside from the Paloma, what classic cocktail would you love to recreate using Dobel Diamante?
While everyone is a Tommys/Classic Margarita fan, I’m a huge fan of La Perla. Equal parts reposado tequila and Fino or Manzanilla sherry, with a half part of poire william. It’s a mega refreshing aperitivo thanks to the sherry component, and I feel that Diamante pairs supremely well with orchard fruits as well. If you haven’t tried this classic before, do it with Diamante. It’ll change your life.
TIM POPE & TONY HUANG, PAR, MELBOURNE
What sets PAR apart in terms of innovation in cocktails?
The most prominent point of difference would be the idea behind how we prepare and serve cocktails. We champion a zero ice drinks program which to our knowledge is an industry first. We also craft our cocktails in the style of wine integrating them over two-three days before bottling. Another unique point of difference is we craft drinks that, just like wine, are encouraged to come up to room temp from chilled, allowing subtle changes in the aroma and flavour without losing the balance of the cocktail.
“Our cocktail is a take on a Paloma in the format of a faux pet nat. Light, effervescent and refreshing with just a little bit of funk. We utilised Maestro Dobel Humito to impart some beautiful light smoke notes and savoury flavours to pair with the grapefruit integration.”
How did you utilise Maestro Dobel to craft your version of the Paloma?
Our cocktail is a take on a Paloma in the format of a faux pet nat. Light, effervescent and refreshing with just a little bit of funk. We utilised Maestro Dobel Humito to impart some beautiful light smoke notes and savoury flavours to pair with the grapefruit integration. Resulting in a complex Paloma flavour with fresh acidity and bitterness. A little bit of smoked salt was included to mirror the classic salt rim and to boost those smoke notes in the tequila.
PAR’s Paloma Flavour Profile:
- Maestro Dobel Humito
- Raw Agave
- Apple Cider Vinegar Blend
- Inactive Yeast
- Filtered Water
- Grapefruit Integration
- Smoked Salt
What is your fondest memory of the humble Paloma cocktail?
My first time trying one at Bodega Underground on my break after just starting bartending. Blew my mind to have a tequila cocktail that wasn’t a Margarita but was still fresh and bright with that saltiness as well.
Aside from the Paloma, what classic cocktail would you love to recreate using Dobel Diamante?
The Toreador, most definitely. A tequila classic that pre-dates the Margarita.
Try the Paloma innovations for yourself, only at PAR and Maybe Mae on World Paloma Day, 22 May, and for the following two weeks.
Maestro Dobel Tequila
Maestro Dobel Tequila was born in Jalisco, Mexico, the brand is the brainchild of a ground-breaking family of tequila makers, who challenged traditional production methods to create two world-firsts in agave spirits. The brand has a deep respect for legacy, with a history in tequila-making that spans over 250 years, but sets itself apart as an innovator in the category.
Dobel Humito is the world’s first smoked tequila. It is unaged and crafted from lowland agave cooked in brick ovens. After the agave is steamed, it is left to infuse with mesquite wood smoke. This process gives the liquid a subtle note of smoke, complete with flavours of olive, dried fruit, black tea, and roasted pineapple.
Dobel Diamante is the world’s first Cristalino tequila. Created using single estate lowland agave, the Tequila is then aged to various lengths. Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo are blended before undergoing a filtration process that removes the colour. The result is a silky-smooth tequila bursting with flavours of roasted agave, toasted oak, tropical fruit, and a hint of pepper.
To organise a tasting of the Maestro Dobel range, speak with your Proximo Spirits representative:
- South Australia – Craig Saville 0429 724 036
- New South Wales – James Selmes 0448 109 962
- Victoria – Brittany Coles 0437 897 849
- Queensland – Gabby Bielawski 0458 965 359
- Western Australia – Stefano Urso 0417 180 492