Paloma cocktail recipes normally call for tequila, but I jazzed this one up with a smokey Mezcal. My Mezcal Paloma recipe is easy to make with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and a light honey simple syrup.
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I have been all about mezcal cocktails for years, from my popular mezcal mule recipe to fresh peach and mezcal drinks. Mezcal is one of my favorite ingredients to work with. It has so much more pizazz than basic tequila. I feel like it is a kindered spirit! Get it?
I think it pairs really well with less-sweet citrus ingredients. It is a natural pairing with unsweetened grapefruit juice, and to keep things light on the palate, I swapped out traditional simple syrup for a honey version.
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.
- 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 Grapefruit Mezcal Paloma
- Combine the kosher salt, lime zest, and chili powder on a plate.
- Take a lime wedge and rub it on the rim of a rock's glass. Roll the edge of the glass in the salt mixture.
- Add ice, mezcal, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup. Shake for about 15 seconds until the otuside get frosty.
Top off the drink with club soda. Sit back, relax and enjoy! You probably should have a snack too. Maybe chips and dip with an easy roasted tomato salsa and a little avocado pico de gallo.
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📖 Recipe Card
Mezcal Paloma
Ingredients
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime, zested and sliced
- 2 ounces Mezcal or sub tequila
- 2 ounces Grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce honey simple syrup
- Club soda
Instructions
Make Chili-Lime Salt Rim
- Combine salt, chili powder, and lime zest and spread out a small plate.¼ cup kosher salt, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 lime, zested and sliced
Mezcal Paloma
- Wipe the rim of a highball glass with a wedge of lime. Dip into the chili-lime salt to coat rim.1 lime, zested and sliced
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the mezcal, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup and shake about 15 seconds.2 ounces Mezcal, 2 ounces Grapefruit juice, 1 ounce honey simple syrup
- Pour into a salt-rimmed glass and top off with club soda and a few ice cubes. Garnish with mint and grapefruit wedges.Club soda
Lori says
I love the recipes! They all look good! Will definitely like to make some as weather gets warmer.I am always curious when the authors many times suggest(don't insist),on the most expensive liquors. Mezcal out of my price range.Maybe suggest a couple others.Cheers!!
Debra says
My new go to Paloma. So much better than other recipes I’ve tried and so easy!!
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.