Via Carota Paloma

Via Carota Paloma is a ready-to-drink take on the paloma, the grapefruit-and-tequila highball that's one of the most common long drinks built on agave spirit. The details we have don't list its base spirit, ABV or flavor profile, so what follows describes how drinks in this style usually behave. Expect a bright, bittersweet grapefruit character with a citrus tartness, a light fizz, and a dry finish that comes from the grapefruit's pith rather than from added sweetness. Serve it well chilled. Palomas lose their snap when they warm, and the carbonation fades quickly. Pour over fresh ice in a tall highball or Collins glass, which leaves room for the bubbles and keeps the drink cold longer than a short tumbler would. If you want to follow the classic presentation, run a lime wedge around the rim and dip it in coarse salt before pouring. The salt tempers the bitterness and makes the grapefruit taste rounder. A wedge of grapefruit or lime as garnish adds fresh citrus oil to the aroma. Because it's already mixed, the simplest use is straight from the can or bottle over ice. If you want to adjust it, a squeeze of fresh lime sharpens the acidity. A splash of sparkling water stretches it for a lighter, longer drink. At the table, styles like this suit salty, spicy and fried food. Tacos al pastor, grilled fish with lime, ceviche, chips with guacamole or salsa, and charred corn all work with the citrus and its slight bitter edge.