A Paloma meets an Aperol Spritz – that is the drink called a “Tina Modotti.” Tina Modotti was an Italian photographer who emigrated to the United States, and then to Mexico City. She dated American photographer Edward Weston, and was also involved with the Mexican painter Diego Rivera. She appears in Weston’s photos and Rivera’s murals. So this namesake cocktail is fitting. It is a combination of two iconic cocktails, which represent her Italian heritage and her life in Mexico.

I am not sure where I first had this cocktail and there are variations you can find online. If you had no recipe you could simply make a Paloma, make an Aperol Spritz, combine the two and enjoy. I have made this drink several ways – one simple, and one with a little more effort. Both are delicious and the point really is that Tequila and Aperol make a good combination.

First, let’s start with the slightly more complicated recipe. To two ounces of Tequila and one ounce of Aperol, add the juice from one freshly squeezed grapefruit and one freshly squeezed lime. Shake well and pour over ice into a rocks glass. I have had this served to me without the grapefruit juice and with an equal amount of lime juice and Aperol and I assume it is to reduce the bitterness in the cocktail.

For a very easy version of this cocktail you can start with four ounces of Aperol and the top with a pre-made Paloma (such as my favorite, Salucita). Serve over ice in a Collins high ball glass.