The AFC Paloma is a playful, football-themed twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, created by Herradura Tequila as a promotional drink for AFC (American Football Conference) fans during NFL season. It’s designed to appeal to crowds cheering for AFC teams (like the Steelers, Chiefs, or Patriots), with a counterpart called the NFC Margarita for the other conference.
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What Makes It an “AFC” Paloma?
- The name is mostly branding fun — nothing deeply tied to specific AFC teams, but it’s positioned as a tequila-based refresher for AFC viewing parties or tailgates.
- Classic Paloma base: Tequila, fresh lime juice, and grapefruit soda (often something like Squirt, Fresca, or Q Drinks Grapefruit Soda), usually served over ice in a highball or Collins glass with a salted rim and lime/grapefruit garnish.
- Herradura’s version likely uses their silver or reposado tequila for a smooth, crisp profile that cuts through the tart citrus.
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco or reposado tequila
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 4–6 oz grapefruit soda (chilled)
- Pinch of salt
- Ice, lime wedge or grapefruit slice for garnish
Instructions
- Add tequila and lime over ice, top with soda,
- Stir gently, and salt the rim if desired.
- It’s light, fizzy, tangy, and super refreshing — often called Mexico’s national cocktail for good reason.
Modern Non-Alcoholic Version:
Free AF / AF Drinks PalomaYou’ll also see “AFC Paloma” pop up in connection with AF Drinks (or Free AF), a popular non-alcoholic cocktail brand. Their canned Paloma is explicitly marketed as a “punchy AF” alcohol-free take on the classic:
- Tasting notes: Bold grapefruit, zesty lime, and a touch of bitterness — tangy and tart, without tequila.
- Key feature: Includes Afterglowâ„¢, a natural botanical extract (from New Zealand) that mimics the warm, tingly “buzz” and bite of alcohol without any actual booze (under 0.5% ABV trace).
- Calories: About 50 per 8.4 oz can.
- Ingredients (typical): Carbonated water, organic sugar, grapefruit juice concentrate, citric acid, natural flavors, salt, vegetable juice for color. Low sugar, gluten-free, no artificial stuff.
- Sold in 4-packs or 12-packs at places like Target, Amazon, Walmart, and the brand’s site. It’s positioned for social drinking, parties, or sober-curious folks who want the vibe without the hangover.
In short:
- If you’re talking football watch parties → It’s the Herradura tequila Paloma for AFC fans.
- If you’re seeing it in stores or online → It’s probably the tasty, low-cal non-alcoholic canned version from AF Drinks.
Both capture the bright, citrusy essence of a traditional Paloma.
