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Refreshing Paloma Cocktail Recipe with Fresh Grapefruit and Mezcal

Refreshing Paloma Cocktail - featured image

A smoky, tangy, and refreshing summer cocktail featuring fresh grapefruit juice and mezcal, perfect for cooling down on hot days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz mezcal (e.g., Del Maguey Vida)
  • 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice (about half a large grapefruit)
  • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup (homemade or store-bought, adjust to taste)
  • 2 oz club soda or sparkling water
  • Salt for rimming the glass (kosher or sea salt, optional but recommended)
  • Ice cubes
  • Grapefruit wedge or thin slice for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rub a grapefruit wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it into a shallow plate of salt to coat evenly. Set aside.
  2. Squeeze fresh grapefruit until you have about 3 oz (90 ml) of juice. Then squeeze 0.5 oz (15 ml) of lime juice.
  3. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz (60 ml) mezcal, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup. Add ice to fill the shaker halfway.
  4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled and slightly frothy.
  5. Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice cubes. Strain the cocktail mixture into the glass, leaving room for soda.
  6. Top off with 2 oz (60 ml) club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently once or twice to combine without losing bubbles.
  7. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or thin slice on the rim or floating in the drink.

Notes

Use fresh grapefruit and lime juice for best flavor. Adjust simple syrup to balance tartness. Avoid over-shaking to prevent dilution. For a low-sugar option, reduce or omit simple syrup. Try different mezcal brands to find your preferred smoky level. Store pre-mixed cocktail (without soda) in the fridge up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: paloma cocktail, mezcal cocktail, grapefruit cocktail, summer drinks, refreshing cocktail, smoky cocktail, easy cocktail recipe