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Can you guess Texas' most popular cocktail?

Editor's note: This story was written in January 2018. We're bringing it back in honor of National Tequila Day on July 24.

If you had to guess the most popular cocktail in Texas, the fact that it's a tequila-based drink may not be a surprise. But the exact libation might be.

No, Texas' favorite cocktail is not the margarita, at least according to new research from Versus Reviews, a product review and ratings website. The company used Google search data, such as recipe, garnish, image and glassware inquires, to see which cocktails people from every state were most interested in, according to a spokeswoman.

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And the winner for most popular cocktail in Texas goes to ... the paloma.

Paloma cocktails are traditionally a mix of tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, sugar or simple syrup and club soda, served with a salt rim and lime wedge. Some might substitute grapefruit soda such as Jarritos, Squirt or Fresca for fresh juice. The drink offers a refreshing blend of citrus flavors, especially on a sweltering summer day. (P.S. there's a restaurant in Plano that serves palomas by the pitcher.)

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Or with:

Texas has long been tequila country given its proximity to Mexico where the liquor is produced, but its relationship with agave spirits has blossomed in recent years to include mezcal and sotol. Whether Texans will proudly rep the paloma over the margarita, however, is up for debate. Dallas is responsible for inventing the frozen margarita machine, after all.

For now, we'll just take this info with a grain of salt. Or a salt rim, depending on the occasion.

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Paloma recipe (via Epicurious):

Ingredients:

  • Kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup of grapefruit juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup tequila (or mezcal)
  • 1/4 cup soda
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Pour some salt onto a plate. Rub half the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit or lime wedge and dip rim into salt. Combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sugar in glass. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in tequila (or mezcal) and add ice. Top off with club soda. Garnish with grapefruit or lime wedge.

See the most popular cocktails by state:

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