What is a dirty Paloma?

A Dirty Paloma is a savory, bolder twist on the classic Paloma cocktail that takes inspiration from the Dirty Martini. While a traditional Paloma is bright, tart, and refreshing with tequila, lime, grapefruit soda, and a salted rim, a Dirty Paloma adds a splash of olive brine or a touch of savory, funky complexity to create a salty-sweet-sour-bitter balance. The "dirty" element comes from adding about a half ounce of green olive brine, sometimes with a dash of the olive oil itself, or from using a more vegetal, briny style of tequila or even adding a splash of mezcal for smokiness. Some versions also incorporate a few dashes of celery bitters or a pinch of salt and even a pickled jalapeno brine for a spicy dirty version. The result is less sweet and more umami-driven than the original, with a subtle savory finish that makes it an excellent food cocktail, especially alongside tacos, ceviche, or grilled meats. It is served over ice with a Tajin and salt rim and often garnished with olives or a grapefruit wedge and olive skewer, bridging the gap between a refreshing highball and a savory aperitivo.