Unlike the Margarita—which has a more defined origin story—the Paloma’s history is a bit looser, believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century and popularized through cantinas where grapefruit soda and tequila were a natural pairing in the heat. Its refreshing, slightly bitter-sweet profile has made it a global staple, and modern bartenders have embraced variations that lean into seasonal fruit. One of the most popular updates is the Strawberry Paloma, which blends fresh or muddled strawberries with grapefruit and lime to add a softer, slightly sweeter layer that rounds out the citrus while still keeping the drink light, vibrant, and unmistakably Paloma at its core