Mezcal Paloma Cocktail Recipe

Let’s try something new with a twist on the classic Paloma! Most people reach for tequila when making this cocktail, but using mezcal brings a new flavor. The smoky notes of mezcal blend beautifully with the tangy grapefruit, adding a unique twist to the drink.

Mezcal doesn’t just replace tequila. It gives the whole cocktail a deeper, more interesting flavor. If you enjoy experimenting with drinks at home, this is a fun way to mix things up. It’s a simple and enjoyable way to make a cocktail that feels a little more special.

Making this at home is really easy. With just a few fresh ingredients like grapefruit and lime juice, you’ll have a drink that’s way tastier and healthier than anything out of a bottle. You can adjust the sweetness, add a little spice, or even turn it into a mocktail. This recipe is simple, and you can easily put your own spin on it!

Mezcal Paloma Ingredients & Substitutions

The Mezcal Paloma is all about using a few simple ingredients that come together for a refreshing and flavorful drink. Each one plays a part in bringing out the best flavors, and you can always make swaps depending on what you have at home or what you prefer. Let’s go over the ingredients and some easy substitutions.

Mezcal

Mezcal is what gives this cocktail its signature smoky flavor. Unlike tequila, mezcal is made from different types of agave and roasted, which is where that smoky taste comes from. If you’re making a Paloma, we suggest trying a mezcal like Montelobos or Del Maguey since they offer a nice balance of flavors.

If you don’t have mezcal, you can use tequila, but you’ll miss out on that smoky flavor. Feeling adventurous? You can try other agave spirits, but mezcal is really what makes this drink stand out. It adds a unique aroma and a rich finish.

Grapefruit Juice

Fresh grapefruit juice is the key to giving this drink its bright and tangy flavor. Squeezing fresh grapefruit may take a bit more effort, but the flavor is worth it. If you don’t have fresh grapefruit on hand, bottled juice will work, but it won’t be quite as fresh-tasting.

If fresh juice isn’t available, grapefruit soda can also work. It adds a bit of sweetness and some bubbles, making the drink a little more fun. You can even mix the soda with fresh juice to get the best of both worlds. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

Lime Juice

Lime juice adds a fresh, zesty flavor that really brightens up the drink. Fresh lime juice is the best option because it has that sharp, tangy taste that bottled versions just can’t match. The acidity of the lime juice helps balance out the smoky mezcal.

We like using fresh limes for the juice and the oils from the peel, which add an extra kick of flavor. If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled juice will do, but it may not taste as bright. No worries though, your drink will still be delicious.

Club Soda

Club soda brings some light bubbles to the drink, making it even more refreshing. It adds a nice bit of fizz without changing the flavor, which is great on a hot day. If you want to try something different, sparkling water like Topo Chico or lightly flavored sodas work just as well.

For a sweeter option, grapefruit soda adds extra sweetness while keeping things bubbly. Whether you go for plain soda or something flavored, it’s all about what you like best.

Chili Lime Salt

A chili lime salt rim adds a spicy touch that makes the drink pop. It looks great and gives a nice contrast to the tangy citrus flavors in the cocktail. Tajín is a popular option you can grab at the store, combining chili, lime, and salt for a flavorful rim.

If you want to make your own, just mix sea salt, chili powder, and a little lime zest for a personal touch. This adds color and flavor that really make the drink stand out, especially if you enjoy a little heat.

Honey or Simple Syrup

Adding a little sweetness helps balance out the bold flavors in the Mezcal Paloma. Honey and simple syrup both work great. We love using honey for its richness, but simple syrup gives a cleaner sweetness that’s easy to enjoy.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, agave syrup is a great alternative. Each sweetener brings a little something different to the drink, so feel free to play around and see what you like best.

Grapefruit or Lime Wedges for Garnish

Adding a wedge of grapefruit or lime as a garnish not only makes the drink look pretty, but it also gives a little extra burst of freshness. It’s a simple step that takes the presentation up a notch.

Whether you’re making this for guests or just for yourself, a garnish adds a nice finishing touch. You can switch between grapefruit and lime based on your preference or use both. Either way, it adds a bit of brightness to the cocktail.

How to Make a Mezcal Paloma Cocktail

Making a Mezcal Paloma is really easy and quick. With just a few steps, you’ll have a tasty drink that’s sure to impress. Let’s go through it together.

Prep the Glass
Start by rimming your glass with chili lime salt or some Tajín for an extra kick. Rub a lime wedge around the rim so the salt sticks and adds a nice tangy flavor.

Prepare the Ingredients
Next, juice some fresh grapefruits and limes. Fresh juice makes all the difference here. If you don’t have honey simple syrup, don’t worry. You can easily make some by mixing honey with warm water. It’s much easier to blend than honey on its own.

Shake the Cocktail
Now, add your mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and honey simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Give it a good shake for about 15 to 20 seconds until it’s nice and cold.

Strain and Pour
Strain the cocktail into your rimmed glass with fresh ice. Make sure to leave a little space at the top for the club soda.

Top with Club Soda
Pour in some club soda to give the drink a fizzy touch. Gently stir so everything mixes together without losing too many bubbles.

Garnish and Serve
Add a grapefruit or lime wedge for a bit of color. If you want, toss in a sprig of mint to bring out the citrus flavors even more.

Extra Tips:

• Ice: Use fresh or large ice cubes if you can. They melt slower and keep your drink cold without watering it down too fast.
• Presentation: Serving this cocktail in a highball glass gives it a bit more style. It’s about making the drink look and taste great.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your homemade Mezcal Paloma. Cheers!

Variations of Mezcal Paloma

Let’s explore some fun twists on the Mezcal Paloma. Whether you’re into spicy drinks, love a quick fix, or want a non-alcoholic option, there’s something here for everyone.

Spicy Mezcal Paloma

If you like a little heat in your drinks, a Spicy Mezcal Paloma is a great option. Add a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a pinch of chili powder to give it some kick. The spice works really well with the smoky flavor of mezcal.

Just start with a little bit of spice and adjust to your liking. You can also rim your glass with chili salt for an extra boost. This variation is perfect if you like your drinks bold and fiery.

Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Soda

Want a quicker version? Swap fresh grapefruit juice with grapefruit soda. It’s an easy change that still gives you that light, refreshing taste.

Grapefruit soda adds a little sweetness and fizz, making it perfect for warm days when you want something easy to put together. You can find grapefruit soda in most stores, so this is a super convenient option.

Mezcal Paloma Mocktail

Looking for a non-alcoholic option? You can easily make a Mezcal Paloma without the alcohol. Just skip the mezcal or replace it with a non-alcoholic alternative.

You can also add some flavored soda or even a splash of smoked tea to give it a bit more depth. Adjust the lime and grapefruit juice to keep it balanced. You’ll still have a refreshing, flavorful drink that’s perfect for any gathering.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? You can swap mezcal for tequila if you want a smoother flavor. Or try experimenting with flavored simple syrups like lavender or rosemary to add something different to your drink.

If you want to go even further, try using different citrus fruits like orange or pomelo instead of grapefruit. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor, giving you a fresh twist on the classic Paloma.

With just a few tweaks, you can make your own version of the Mezcal Paloma that’s perfect for you.

More Mezcal Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re into mezcal, here are a few more cocktails you’ll definitely want to try.

Mezcal Margarita
This one’s a fun twist on the classic margarita. We’re mixing mezcal with lime juice and triple sec, giving it a smoky flavor that makes it stand out.

Mezcal Mule
If you’re a fan of mules, try swapping in mezcal. The ginger beer and lime mix perfectly with the smokiness, creating a refreshing drink with a little extra kick.

Oaxaca Old Fashioned
This cocktail combines mezcal and tequila, with a touch of agave syrup to balance the smoky and sweet flavors. It’s a bold, flavorful take on the Old Fashioned.

Mezcal Negroni
If you love a Negroni, give this version a try. Just swap the gin for mezcal, and you’ve got a cocktail with that perfect balance of smoky mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between mezcal and tequila?

Both mezcal and tequila come from the agave plant, but they are quite different. Tequila is made only from blue Weber agave and is steamed in ovens, which gives it a smoother taste.

Mezcal can be made from more than 30 types of agave. It is roasted in underground pits, which is what gives it that smoky flavor.

Mezcal is mostly produced in Oaxaca, while tequila comes from Jalisco. If you think of tequila as smoother, like bourbon, mezcal is more like scotch with a bolder and more robust taste.

Can I substitute tequila for mezcal in this recipe?

Yes, you can totally swap tequila for mezcal, especially if you want less of that smoky flavor or if mezcal isn’t available.

Tequila blanco is a good choice because it’s smooth and clean, which works really well with the citrus flavors. If you make the swap, your drink will taste more like a classic Paloma, but you’ll miss that smoky depth.

For a richer taste, you could try using tequila reposado. Or, if you want a bit of both, you can mix mezcal and tequila for a nice balance.

What does a Mezcal Paloma taste like?

A Mezcal Paloma is all about bright citrus flavors from the grapefruit juice and lime, with a little fizz from the club soda.

The mezcal adds a smoky, earthy flavor that contrasts with the citrus. The cocktail is tangy, slightly sweet, and smoky. It’s not as sweet as a Paloma made with tequila.

If you add a little honey or syrup, it gives the drink a smooth, sweet finish.

How many calories are in a Mezcal Paloma?

A Mezcal Paloma has around 150 to 200 calories. Most of the calories come from the mezcal, which has about 120 to 130 calories for 2 oz.

Adding sweeteners like honey or syrup will give you another 20 to 30 calories per ounce. Fresh grapefruit juice adds around 40 to 50 calories, and club soda is calorie-free.

If you want to cut down on calories, stick with fresh juice, club soda, and go light on the sweeteners.

What foods pair well with a Mezcal Paloma?

Mexican dishes are perfect with a Mezcal Paloma. Tacos, ceviche, and guacamole balance out the smoky flavor of the drink.

If you like things spicy, try carne asada or al pastor tacos. You can also go for lighter bites like chips and salsa, elote, or spicy shrimp.

For something different, a cheese platter with smoked or tangy cheeses like cotija works really well. The flavors of the cheese will complement the mezcal nicely.