Paloma: The True Queen of Mexico. Where to Drink the Best One in Krakow?
Paloma cocktail at Lastriko – a must-try in Krakow nightlife
Among all the bars in Krakow, few capture the city’s soul as perfectly as Lastriko — a cocktail bar where the legendary Mexican Paloma meets the rhythm of Krakow nightlife.
When you think of a Mexican cocktail, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Let us guess: Margarita — with salt, on the rocks, iconic.
But that’s a common mistake. While Margarita conquered the world, in Mexico itself, the nation’s heart belongs to a different classic – fresher, lighter, and far more drinkable. Meet the Paloma.
Paloma, meaning “dove” in Spanish, is Mexico’s favorite drink. At its core, it’s beautifully simple: tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. Refreshing, unpretentious, and dangerously easy to drink.
In recent years, this humble highball has been experiencing a global renaissance, with the international cocktail scene finally catching up. And the same is true in Poland. The vibrant Krakow nightlife — evolving far beyond traditional pubs in Krakow — has become the perfect environment to rediscover this gem. The best cocktail bars Krakow now compete to create their own interpretations, from authentic to artisanal.
This article is your complete guide to Paloma. We’ll dive into its cloudy origins, uncover the debate about what makes the “real” version, and show you where to enjoy the best Paloma in Krakow — from stylish bars in Krakow Old Town to hidden speakeasy Krakow spots.
A Cloudy Past: Who Really Invented the Paloma?
Every great cocktail has its legend — and the story of the Paloma is more mysterious than most. It’s a mix of folklore, speculation, and a dash of myth.
The truth is, no one knows for sure who first mixed it. Several competing theories exist, but most have been debunked.
Myth #1: Folklore.
Some believe the name comes from the Mexican folk song “La Paloma,” written in the 1860s — a romantic idea, though with no evidence.
Myth #2: The Legendary Bartender.
For years, the drink was attributed to Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of La Capilla — the oldest bar in the town of Tequila, Jalisco. Since he created another iconic drink, the Batanga (tequila, Coke, lime, and salt rim), it made sense that Paloma could be his twist — replacing cola with grapefruit soda. The only problem? Don Javier himself denied ever inventing it.
Myth #3: Internet Fiction.
At one point, a story circulated online claiming the first printed recipe appeared in a 1950s booklet “Popular Cocktails of the Rio Grande” by Evan Harrison. It turned out to be a hoax — added to Wikipedia in 2012 and copied by countless blogs since.
The most likely — if least romantic — version is that Paloma evolved naturally. When grapefruit sodas like Squirt appeared in 1950s Mexico, mixing them with tequila was the obvious next step. A simple, homemade drink that eventually made its way to cantinas and bars.
Two Faces of Paloma: “Cantina” vs “Craft”
To understand the Paloma, you have to accept that it’s not one drink — it’s two philosophies.
Bartenders worldwide still debate what a “true” Paloma should be, and it all comes down to one ingredient: grapefruit juice.
The Cantina Soul – Quick, Rough, and Authentic
This is the version that locals drank for decades. As Mexican winemaker Lulú Martínez Ojeda once said, it “has to be dirty — it’s a cantina drink.”
In its purest form, the Paloma combines only tequila and grapefruit soda (like Jarritos or Squirt), served over ice with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime. Adding fresh juice or syrup, say purists, “betrays its working-class spirit.”
Cantina Recipe:
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60 ml (2 oz) Blanco Tequila
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15 ml (0.5 oz) fresh lime juice
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A pinch of salt
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Top with grapefruit soda (150–180 ml)
The Craft Evolution – Fresh, Balanced, and Refined
This is the version you’ll find in an upscale cocktailbar Krakow or speakeasy Krakow. It’s an artisanal take that uses fresh ingredients. The key: freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
Here, bartenders balance the sharpness of grapefruit and lime with agave syrup, then add sparkle with soda water.
As David Suro-Piñera, president of Siembra Azul Tequila, said: “It’s a cultural expression of a cocktail that crosses borders.”
Craft Recipe:
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45–60 ml (1.5–2 oz) Blanco Tequila
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30 ml (1 oz) fresh grapefruit juice
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15–30 ml (0.5–1 oz) lime juice
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15 ml (0.5 oz) agave syrup
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Top with soda water (30–90 ml)
Which one is better? That depends on your mood — one is raw refreshment, the other refined harmony.
Paloma 2.0: The Modern Classic
The simplicity of Paloma — alcohol, citrus, bubbles — makes it the perfect base for experimentation.
Smoky Paloma (with Mezcal):
Swap or mix tequila with mezcal for a smoky, earthy depth. The bitter-sweet grapefruit plays beautifully with mezcal’s rustic aroma.
Spicy Paloma (with Chili):
Add a few slices of fresh jalapeño or chili flakes for a fiery twist. The heat lifts the citrusy sweetness and turns the drink into a summer must-try.
Herbal or Experimental Palomas:
Fresh rosemary or basil brings a green, aromatic layer. Some avant-garde bars go even further — like London’s Viajante 87, serving Paloma Café with coffee liqueur and Cynar. As bar director Pietro Collina explains, “Coffee and grapefruit sound odd, but they dance together perfectly — bright, bitter, and spicy.”
Paloma is recognized globally as one of Mexico’s most beloved cocktails – you can even find it listed by IBA – International Bartenders Association, the global authority on classic drinks.
Paloma in Krakow Pub: Where to Drink the Best Cocktail in the Heart of the City
The Krakow nightlife scene is a blend of history, creativity, and energy. Just steps from the Main Square, you’ll find venues that bridge the gap between classic pubs and modern cocktailbars Krakow.
If you’re craving something refreshing and exotic, Paloma is your drink — bright, citrusy, and lightly salted.
And if you wonder where to try the best one, head to Lastriko — a place redefining what a pub Krakow can be.
Lastriko – Paloma at Its Best
Located a few steps from the Main Square, Lastriko is more than a cocktail bar. It’s a space where time slows down and every drink has its rhythm.
Our Paloma blends tequila, freshly squeezed lime, and grapefruit soda, finished with a hint of salt — simple and timeless, with a touch of Krakow’s soul.
In our bar in Krakow Old Town, you’ll find two styles:
the nostalgic Cantina Paloma and the Craft Paloma with grapefruit juice and agave syrup.
Both invite you to celebrate the moment — in our lush garden or at the bar, surrounded by music and conversation.
Why Paloma?
Paloma isn’t just a cocktail — it’s a mindset. In Lastriko, one of the best cocktail bars Krakow, it captures the balance between city energy and calm connection.
On a warm evening, when the bars in Krakow overflow with laughter and live music drifts through the streets, a glass of Paloma reminds you that happiness lives in the simple moments.
A Krakow Pub with a Modern Twist
Today’s guests look for more than just drinks. The new generation of bars in Krakow values craftsmanship, atmosphere, and local flavor.
Lastriko is part of that shift — a best bar in Krakow where classic meets contemporary.
Our winter garden, modern design, and signature cocktails make Lastriko a must-visit for anyone exploring Krakow nightlife.
Amid the city buzz, you’ll find calm — and rhythm. That’s why Lastriko has become a favorite stop for locals and travelers alike, a true Krakow pub with spirit, taste, and soul.
Paloma as a Symbol of Krakow Nightlife
Evenings in Krakow have a special charm: glasses of prosecco in the Main Square, music spilling from windows, conversations stretching past midnight.
Paloma fits right into that rhythm — light, zesty, and social. It’s the drink that connects people.
At Lastriko, right in the heart of the city, Paloma is more than a cocktail — it’s a ritual.
Whether you’re on a date, catching up with friends, or unwinding after work, our cocktailbar Krakow has exactly what you need.
Your Paloma, Your Krakow
Krakow wears many faces — historical, artistic, and nocturnal.
But it’s the bars in Krakow Old Town that show how the city can be both lively and peaceful.
At Lastriko, we celebrate that balance every day.
So if you’re planning a night out and looking for a pub Krakow that blends authenticity with craft — come join us.
Sit down, take a breath, and let time slow down.
Cheers — the Krakow way. 🍹
If your Krakow night turns into a lazy morning, we’ve got you covered.
After your Paloma, check out our English Breakfast in Krakow – the perfect way to start your day after a night out in the best bars in Krakow.
