Paloma cocktail recipes normally call for tequila but we jazzed this one up with a smokey Mezcal. This healthy Mezcal Paloma recipe is easy to make with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and a honey simple syrup.
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We have been all about mezcal cocktails lately (check out our mezcal mule recipe) and the citrus (hello, can you say coconut lime margarita?). This paloma recipe is the perfect match between smokey and citrusy.
Paloma Ingredients & Substitutions
Chili Lime Salt- A salt rim isn't necessary. But this salt is special with chili powder and lime zest. I am not typically a salt rim fan but this is special. And so worth making.
Mezcal- Mezcal is Tequila's cousin. While tequila is only made from one type of blue agave, Mezcal can be made from any agave plant. The smokiness comes from roasting the plants over an open fire. I used Mezcal Vargo for this Paloma recipe. You can substitute tequila to make a traditional Paloma. If you want to learn more about Mezcal, this article from Wine Enthusiast is an interesting read.
Grapefruit Juice- Ruby red or pink grapefruits are the best options. If you look closely at the photos you might notice the glasses are different colors- apparently, I had one ruby red and one pink and didn't realize until I cut into them. Whoops! You can use fresh squeezed or buy a bottle. Just watch out for added sugar, it will change the outcome of the drink.
Honey Simple Syrup- One part honey and one part water warmed together. You can use our popular demerara simple syrup as well. The syrup will mix in better with the liquids so either way, simple syrup is necessary. Resist the temptation to just drop in a little honey or granulated sugar. You won't be happy with the results.
Club Soda- Simple and to the point. Just to top off the cocktail and provide a little fizz. I use my Soda Stream all the time for cocktails like this!
How To Make a Paloma
Combine the kosher salt, lime zest and chili powder on a plate. Take a lime wedge and rub on the rim of a rocks glass. Dip the glass in the salt mixture. Fill the glass with ice.
To make the drink, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the mezcal, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup. Shake for about 15 seconds. Strain the drink into the glass.
Top off the drink with club soda. Sit back, relax and enjoy! You probably should have a snack too. Maybe this roasted salsa has your name on it?
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📖 Recipe
Mezcal Paloma
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, zested and sliced
- 2 oz Mezcal or sub tequila
- 2 oz Grapefruit juice
- 1 oz honey simple syrup
- Club soda
Instructions
Make Chili-Lime Salt Rim
- Combine salt, chili powder, and lime zest and spread out a small plate.
Mezcal Paloma
- Wipe the rim of a highball glass with a wedge of lime. Dip into the chili-lime salt to coat rim.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the mezcal, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup and shake about 15 seconds.
- Pour into a salt-rimmed glass and top off with club soda and a few ice cubes. Garnish with mint and grapefruit wedges.
Video
Notes
Honey Simple Syrup- Combine equal parts water and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high, stirring constantly until honey dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
MingDing says
How much club soda?
Jen says
Personal preference, I just do a topper for a rocks glass. A splash to 1 oz. You can do more to reduce the strength of the drink.
Pam says
Pinned this to make soon! So, you used pink grapefruit? Do you think it would matter what type of grapefruit is used?
Jen says
I think the pink and ruby grapefruits are sweeter. You can adjust the honey simple syrup accordingly.
Alisa Infanti says
I love a good Paloma on a sunny day. This recipe was amazing!
Ashley says
Oh, how I love Palomas! And this one with Mezcal was just what I needed to start Spring *really* well!
Alison says
This is a flavorful summer drink that feels like something special Great recipe for a picnic or party.
Iryna says
What a great cocktail idea for entertaining! I love the idea of dipping the glasses into a Chili Lime salt.