What liquor do you use for a Paloma?

The classic and only traditional liquor you use for a Paloma is tequila, specifically 100% agave blanco tequila, also called silver or white tequila. This is the essential foundation that makes a Paloma a Paloma. Blanco tequila is unaged or aged less than two months, so it retains the pure, bright, peppery, citrusy, and earthy flavor of the blue agave plant, which is exactly what you need to stand up to the tart and bitter grapefruit and lime in the drink. Reposado tequila, which is aged 2 to 12 months in oak, is an excellent and increasingly popular alternative if you want a slightly smoother, rounder, more vanilla and caramel-tinged Paloma. Many premium bars will ask your preference. What you should not use if you want to make it authentic is mezcal, though a Mezcal Paloma is a legitimate smoky variation, or other spirits like vodka or gin, which would turn it into a completely different cocktail like a Paloma Vodka or a Greyhound. The authentic Mexican Paloma is always tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda such as Jarritos or Fresca, served over ice in a highball glass with a salted rim.