Fresh and Tangy, This Vibrant Paloma Is the Summer Cocktail You've Been Dreaming Of

If you're looking for something to instantly cure your cocktail craving, help is on the way . . . in tequila form. Bartender Tobin Shea created a cocktail that takes full advantage of seasonal ingredients, making a drink that tastes exactly like something you'd be sipping during summer vacation. Tobin serves up his Veracruz Paloma — which, he told POPSUGAR, was inspired by a visit to Mexico — at Redbird, chef Neal Fraser's much-buzzed-about Los Angeles restaurant.

In Mexico, Tobin fell in love with the paloma, a simple blend of lime, tequila, and salt favored by locals. "I got hooked on that drink, so when I got back to the States, I thought, 'How can I incorporate this into the mixology trend?' We use fresh grapefruit and elderflower liqueur. Then, it was a matter of finding a tequila that could stand up to those flavors." The winner? Herradura Silver.

Tobin typically suggests the drink as an aperitif at Redbird, where it's become one of the biggest hits on the cocktail menu. "It's light and refreshing," he explained. "It doesn't bog your palate down or overwhelm whatever you're eating." The libation tastes like a beach getaway in a glass, and is the perfect addition to any and every happy hour. Follow the steps ahead to make the paloma of your dreams now!