Your standard Paloma is a breeze to make; pertinent, considering the word paloma means "dove" or "peace." Many northerners believe the Margarita to be the most popular cocktail of Mexico, but in fact, the Paloma far exceeds that tasty treat as the number one cocktail in Mexico. This three part series aims to impart some technical knowledge about this classic cocktail, and some novel ideas that might be a little off the grid.

In rare, catastrophic instances, grapefruit soda is not available. Let me introduce to you a very fresh option that I personally love because it allows us to use my favorite mineral water with a cult-like following, Topo Chico. 
In this rendition, the tequila you choose will have the greatest impact on your cocktail, followed by your grapefruit juice. Decide if you prefer a tart beverage (yellow grapefruit and more lime juice) or something a bit sweeter (pink grapefruit with just a hint of lime).

Summer is the ultimate time to use fresh citrus and all those herbs and berries you've harvested from your garden. Romantic red raspberries and bold basil levitate this lemonade into the perfect front stoop sipper. 

You'll need tools:
collins glass
shaker tin
knife & cutting board
muddler
julep strainer
fine strainer (optional)

You'll need booze & fruit:
1.5 oz gin
1 oz St~Germain
1 lemon 
4-5 raspberries
3-4 basil leaves 

Betty recommends New Amsterdam gin because of it's light, playful, citrus notes. Find your favorite collins glass and stick it in the freezer while you prepare this cocktail. 
In shaker, softly muddle 3-4 raspberries & 2-3 leaves basil. Squeeze half lemon into shaker tin (use caution to remove the seeds first). Add your spirits (Gin & St~Germain). Shake. Strain over fresh ice in chilled collins glass. Betty loves a little pulp in her cocktail, but for those more refined a fine strain is recommended. 
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Garnish with raspberry and expressed basil leaf (give the basil a little pat to allow the fragrance to be emitted). Place straw directly next to garnish. Find good friend; repeat cocktail instructions; escort said friend with cocktail to sunny stoop; enjoy life.