Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Margot Robbie and husband Tom Ackerley sipping canned cocktails on day twelve of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. (Press Association via AP Images)
Last week, actress Margot Robbie fueled speculation online when she, her husband and close friends were pictured at the Wimbledon Championships sipping cocktails from unidentified light blue cans — the same color as her recently released Papa Salt Gin. Celebrities frequently use courtside occasions to promote their beverage launches, though it should be noted that Robbie is currently pregnant and would almost certainly not be partaking in alcohol.
Keen-eyed fans had their questions answered on Thursday when Papa Salt officially announced the launch of a canned Paloma made with gin, grapefruit soda and a hint of rosemary. A nonalcoholic rendition dubbed the Mama Salt — the version Robbie was seen in hand with — will reportedly not go on sale to the public.
[caption id="attachment_77093" align="aligncenter" width="600"]Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. (Photo: Papa Salt)[/caption]
The paloma, Spanish for "dove," is traditionally made with a combination of blanco tequila, lime and a grapefruit soda like Squirt or Jarritos. The tried-and-true recipe is the national cocktail of Mexico, where it holds a cultural cachet similar to the margarita's reputation in the U.S. For many, the paloma is the definitive agave spirits drink.
Versions twisted with gin have begun gaining traction over the past few years with high-profile co-signs from Robbie and Tanqueray Gin ambassador Stanley Tucci. Incidentally, a concoction of grapefruit juice and gin is usually called a salty dog; instead of going with the obvious name option, Papa Salt appears to have opted for the trendy, slightly more poetic alternative.
“Before our launch last year, we had never had a gin paloma,” Papa Salt co-founder and CEO Charlie Maas told Broadsheet. "But bartenders across Australia kept serving us Papa Salt and Capi grapefruit soda together. It’s been one of our favourite serves ever since, and one of those drinks we could always come back to. It just seemed like the natural choice.”
Papa Salt was conceived in 2023 as the brainchild of Robbie, her husband Tom Ackerley and friends Josey McNamara, Regan Riskas and Charlie Maas. Paying homage to the "Barbie" star's home country, the spirit incorporates native Australian botanicals like roasted wattleseed, pink peppercorn, wax flower and oyster shells.
The brand's pre-mixed Paloma will reportedly clock in at 5% ABV and is slated to go on sale in Australia this October. News of an international release date has yet to be announced. For more info on Papa Salt Coastal Gin, find its website here.
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