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Home » Recipes » Cocktails

Mezcal Paloma

By: D. Durand Worthey  »  Updated: April 7, 2023  »   View our disclosure policy

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Summertime is all about letting the good times roll, and there’s nothing like getting the good times moving along like your favorite Paloma drink. We raised the bar with our Mezcal Paloma, using mezcal, tequila, grapefruit soda, and agave. Grab all of the deets down below! Cheers!

Mezcal Paloma

Mezcal Paloma Cocktail

This summer, we are flipping the script on the classic Paloma cocktail with the edition of mezcal. Mezcal is the smokier version of your favorite tequila, and just so you know, all tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequilas.

mezcal tequila cocktail

Unlike tequila, traditional mezcal is made by cooking the agave in earthen pits lined with lava rocks; the pits are filled with wood and hardwood charcoal; this process infuses the mezcal rich, intense smoke flavor. Next, the prepared mixture is distilled in clay pots for a month or up to four years. 

two glasses of mezcal paloma

What You’ll Need To Make Our Mezcal Paloma:

Mezcal & Tequila. Think of this cocktail as the best of two worlds. Tequila is the usual suspect when it comes to a classic Paloma cocktail recipe. However, with the addition of mezcal, you are getting a smokier version. Want to raise the Paloma bar just a smidge higher? Try adding a jalapeño-infused simple syrup to set this Paloma apart from all others! To make the jalapeño simple syrup, add one cup of sugar to one cup of water, two large jalapeño peppers, sliced and don’t discard the seeds. 

Grapefruit Soda. Topping our mezcal Paloma off with grapefruit soda, we add a bit of refreshing carbonation and bubbly fruit flavor. Don’t have grapefruit soda, no worries. Add a cup of ruby red grapefruit juice to one cup of tonic or seltzer water and mix well. Presto change-o, and you’re good to go!

Agave. There’s something about agave that I love so much, and I especially love it in our mezcal Paloma cocktail. However, if you don’t have agave on hand, add a splash of simple syrup, triple sec, maple syrup, or even honey. 

Lime & Margarita Salt. Palomas is a classic tequila cocktail, and it isn’t right to serve up our mezcal Paloma cocktail without a lime garnish and margarita salt rimming the glass. Want to add even more pizzaz? Mix two tablespoons of margarita salt with a tablespoon of chili-lime seasoning, mix it up, and forget about it!

How to make a Mezcal Paloma Cocktail

How to make a Mezcal Paloma Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • ice
  • 1/2 ounce triple sec
  • 1-ounce agave syrup
  • 1 ounce of mezcal
  • 2 ounces lime juice
  • 3 ounces of tequila Anejo 
  • 4 ounces grapefruit soda
  • Margarita salt
  • 2 wedges of lemon or lime, divided
  • sprig of fresh mint

Directions:

  1. Express a wedge of lemon or lime along the rim of a standard rocks glass, dredge the glass’s rims through margarita salt and , then fill the prepared glass with ice. 
  2. Add ice, add triple sec, agave syrup, mezcal, fresh lime juice, and tequila into a cocktail shaker.
  3. Secure the lid, and shake vigorously for 30-seconds.
  4. Strain the cocktail into the prepared serving glass. 
  5. Garnish with a wedge of lemon or lime and a fresh sprig of mint. 
  6. Serve.

 

a bottle of mezcal surrounded by sliced paloma fruits

What can I use if I do not have Mezcal?

What makes this drink stand out is the Mezcal, but if you can’t get your hands on it, reach for an ounce of tequila to replace the Mezcal. It will remove some of the smokey components of the cocktail, but it will still be a home run drink. 

mezcal tequila in a cocktail glass with ice

Alternative to grapefruit soda? 

Pomelo fruit juice can be replaced with grapefruit if needed as well. You will find pomelo offers a very similar flavor component of sweet and sour but without the bitter aftertaste like a grapefruit offers. I find it is an incredible substitute for making cocktails that call for grapefruit. 

Find other cocktails using grapefruit:

Grapefruit Gin Martini

Strawberry, Oregano & Grapefruit Cocktail

What is grapefruit soda? 

What is grapefruit soda? 

Grapefruit soda is like carbonated grapefruit juice. You will find that depending on the brand; the flavor can be slightly different. The soda is somewhat sweet, tangy, and offers all the flavors you want from a grapefruit. It is an excellent mixer for cocktails, lemonade, and more flavorful drinks. 

Can you make homemade margarita salt? 

You can indeed make a homemade margarita salt. Do 1 part coarse kosher salt to 1 part granulated sugar. If you want, you can mix in some lemon, lime, or even orange zest to add a kick of citrus to the mix. 

But coarse salt and sugar are all you need to make your margarita salt. It is great because you probably have the ingredients on hand, and no need to run to the store to buy marg salt. 

Can I make a pitcher of this cocktail? 

If you want to serve this Mezcal Paloma cocktail for a crowd, go ahead and adjust the recipe to fit your preference. Then mix all the ingredients in a large pitcher, add ice, and stir well. 

Then pour into the dredged salt with your cocktail. If you want to make this in advance, leave out the ice. You don’t want the ice to melt and water down the drink. So add ice to your glasses, and pour that way. 

two serving of a paloma cocktail surrounded by palomas and grapefruit

Now, you have our Mezcal Paloma recipe; grab the ingredients and make the long hot summer a good one! And, as always, if you have any questions, drop us a line or two in the comments section down below! Cheers!

More drinks using tequila to try:

Shrub Cocktail With Tequila + Pineapple

Tequila Orange Jigger Cocktail

Sweet Orange + Tequila Cocktail

Tequila Soaked Cherry Bombs Drink

Mezcal Paloma

Mezcal Paloma

5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Servings: 0
Calories: 897kcal
Author: This Worthey Life
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Ingredients
 

  • ice
  • 1/2 ounce triple sec
  • 1- ounce agave syrup
  • 1 ounce of mezcal
  • 2 ounces lime juice
  • 3 ounces of tequila Anejo
  • 4 ounces grapefruit soda
  • Margarita salt
  • 2 wedges of lemon or lime divided
  • sprig of fresh mint

Instructions

  • Express a wedge of lemon or lime along the rim of a standard rocks glass, dredge the glass's rims through margarita salt and , then fill the prepared glass with ice. 
  • Add ice, add triple sec, agave syrup, mezcal, fresh lime juice, and tequila into a cocktail shaker.
  • Secure the lid, and shake vigorously for 30-seconds.
  • Strain the cocktail into the prepared serving glass. 
  • Garnish with a wedge of lemon or lime and a fresh sprig of mint. 
  • Serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 897kcal | Carbohydrates: 127g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1028mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 93g
Tried this recipe?Mention @thiswortheylife or tag #thiswortheylife!
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