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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Published: Apr 24, 2020 · Modified: Jan 18, 2021 by Jen Wooster

    Mezcal Paloma

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    paloma recipe for pinterest

    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.

    paloma healthy recipe

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Paloma Ingredients & Substitutions
    • How To Make a Paloma
    • More Cocktail Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    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.

    cocktail shaker and rocks glasses

    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?

    More Cocktail Recipes

    • Green Ghost Cocktail
    • Blood Orange Margarita
    • Mezcal Mule
    • Vodka Margarita

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    healthy mezcal cocktail in a glass

    Mezcal Paloma

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    The classic Paloma gets a sweet and smokey twist with the addition of honey and mezcal.
    5 from 19 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Cocktail, Drinks
    Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
    Servings 1 cocktail
    Calories 195 kcal

    Equipment

    • Stainless steel jigger for measuring

    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.
      salt rim ingredients on plate

    Mezcal Paloma

    • Wipe the rim of a highball glass with a wedge of lime. Dip into the chili-lime salt to coat rim.
      how to salt a rim glass
    • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the mezcal, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup and shake about 15 seconds.
      preparing a mezcal cocktail recipe
    • Pour into a salt-rimmed glass and top off with club soda and a few ice cubes. Garnish with mint and grapefruit wedges.
      grapefruit paloma recipe in a glass

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 195kcal | Carbs: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g
    Keyword Grapefruit, honey simple syrup, mezcal, paloma, tequila
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. MingDing says

      May 29, 2021 at 9:09 pm

      How much club soda?

      Reply
      • Jen says

        May 30, 2021 at 7:31 pm

        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.

        Reply
    2. Pam says

      April 24, 2020 at 9:31 am

      5 stars
      Pinned this to make soon! So, you used pink grapefruit? Do you think it would matter what type of grapefruit is used?

      Reply
      • Jen says

        April 24, 2020 at 11:12 am

        I think the pink and ruby grapefruits are sweeter. You can adjust the honey simple syrup accordingly.

        Reply
    3. Alisa Infanti says

      April 24, 2020 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      I love a good Paloma on a sunny day. This recipe was amazing!

      Reply
    4. Ashley says

      April 24, 2020 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      Oh, how I love Palomas! And this one with Mezcal was just what I needed to start Spring *really* well!

      Reply
    5. Alison says

      April 24, 2020 at 9:08 am

      5 stars
      This is a flavorful summer drink that feels like something special Great recipe for a picnic or party.

      Reply
    6. Iryna says

      April 24, 2020 at 9:05 am

      5 stars
      What a great cocktail idea for entertaining! I love the idea of dipping the glasses into a Chili Lime salt.

      Reply

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    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

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