It’s officially summer now. And since we’ve already taught you how to order a margarita the right way here, now it’s time to learn how to make the G of all tequila cocktails best drank in the sun: The Paloma. If the margarita is the popular girl in high school that everyone knows, then the Paloma is the nerdy girl you run in to 12 years later who’s wearing a leather jacket and Chuck Taylor’s front row at a CFM show. And she looks very good.

With tequila, grapefruit juice and a little soda water, the Paloma is sweet, sour, bitter and awesome. This is a classic. Recipe is below, go get her.

• 2 oz. blanco or reposado tequila

(don’t get cute here, you can get away with using good tequilas that won’t break the bank. El Jimaor “blanco” is a relatively inexpensive one that works great)

• Squeeze of a lime wedge

• 2 oz. grapefruit juice

• Club soda

• Kosher salt (for rimming)

Use your lime wedge and rub along the rim of a highball glass or any other receptacle you’re comfortable drinking cocktails out of. Putting a little kosher salt on a small plate or paper towel, dip the rim of your glass in the salt to apply. If you like a little spice, then you can swap out the salt for tajin. Fill your glass with ice and add your tequila and squeeze of lime, leaving the lime in the glass. Add your grapefruit juice and top with your club soda for the finish.

If you want to simplify further (which I always do) you can use Squirt or Jarritos in place of grapefruit juice and soda. Always a strong move.

You are now armed with a true classic cocktail that will enhance your summer vibrations. Don’t be afraid to start your afternoon right with one (or three) of these. Just make sure you treat your self to some huevos rancheros in the morning to complete the circle. —Adam Warren