Photo credit (all images): Isa Zapata. Market Credits (clockwise from left): Tank Black Highball by Tom Dixon, Ghost Highball by Max ID NY, Squiggle Tray by Sophie Lou Jacobsen, Sylvie Tourmaline Ring and One O'Clock Tennis Ring by Catbird Jewelry, Blouse by Bevza.…
In the age of experimental flavors, obscure ingredients, and elaborate presentations, the elegant simplicity of the Paloma is demure.
The exact details of its origin are disputed, but most agree the recipe gained popularity in the 1950s at Jalisco’s bare-bones watering hole La Capilla. Traditionally made with tequila, lime juice, and a splash of Squirt grapefruit soda, the highball is beloved by bartenders for its distinctly unfussy nature. While its conception is still in question, the Paloma’s newfound popularity beyond the borders of Mexico—from the toniest haunts in Mayfair to Ibiza’s chiringuitos to rooftop bars in L.A.—is undeniable. Anointed the “Cocktail of Summer” several years running, Maestro Dobel Tequila put their own stamp on the recipe.
R:Ghost Highball by Max ID NY, Chelsea Tall Hand Cut Crystal Glass by Reflections Copenhagen, Frances Glass by Ann Demeulemeester for Serax (courtesy of Mociun), Namihana Chartreuse Tall Tumbler by Kimiko Yasuda (courtesy of Roman and Williams Guild), Ghost Highball by Max ID NY. R: Ghost Highball by Max ID NY, Chelsea Tall Hand Cut Crystal by Reflections Copenhagen, Highball Glass by Keiko Lee (courtesy of Roman and Williams Guild), Sylvie Tourmaline Ring and Grand Gold Fountain Ring by Catbird Jewelry…
Surface teamed up with the tequila brand to showcase its Ace Paloma cocktail in a new light—swapping its traditional highball glass for more eccentric vessels. Through this lens, the drink’s signature black lava salt adds drama to whimsical silhouettes from designers like Sophie Lou Jacobsen, Roman and Williams Guild, and more. When ornamented on the brim of Reflections Copenhagen’s Art Deco–style crystal, grapefruit wedges are recast as sculptural gemstones.
L (clockwise from left): Iridescent Nassau Tumbler by Sirius Glassworks (courtesy of Mociun), Somerset Pearl and Ruby Ring by Allison Alane for Catbird Jewelry, Chelsea Tall Hand Cut Crystal Glass and Mayfair Tall Crystal Glass by Reflections Copenhagen, Ghost Highball by Max ID NY. R: Namihana Chartreuse Tall Tumbler Glass by Kimiko Yasuda (courtesy of Roman and Williams Guild) …
Maestro Dobel Diamante, an oak-aged tequila filtered with charcoal called Cristalino—a technique the brand pioneered—anchors the Ace Paloma with an aromatic infusion of honey, toasted wood, vanilla, and for a flavor profile unlike any other.
If you can’t make it to the U.S. Open to sip Ace Palomas courtside, try mixing your own at home:
The Maestro Dobel Ace Paloma
Ingredients
2 oz. Maestro Dobel Diamante Cristalino Tequila
4 oz. Grapefruit Soda
.5 oz. Fresh Lime
How To Make
Pour tequila into a tall glass filled with fresh ice and rimmed with black lava salt.
Top with grapefruit soda and a squeeze of lime before garnishing with a pink grapefruit wedge placed on the mouth of the glass. Serve!
R (clockwise from left): Tank Copper Lowball Glass by Tom Dixon, Fritter Cocktail Mixer by Sophie Lou Jacobsen, Ribbon Ring and One O’Clock Diamond Tennis Bracelet by Catbird Jewelry, blouse by Silk Laundry…
Credits
Photography: Isa Zapata
Drinks Styling: Jessie YuChen
Lighting and Production: Wayne Francis
Drinks Assistant: Molly Bhuiyan
Prop Styling: Alexandra Massilon
Market Editor: Jenna Adrian-Diaz
Studio: Shio Studio
