Bubbly and refreshing, Mezcal Paloma is a simple co*cktail with grapefruit and smoky flavors you can easily make at home with no shaker!
5 from 17 votes
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Get ready to enjoy a glass of this delicious Mezcal Paloma, a simple and refreshing drink full of smokey citrus flavors!
What is a Paloma?
Paloma -which in Spanish means "dove"- is a refreshing co*cktail traditionally made of tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. It's tart, sweet, and salty -all at once!
I love using mezcal and switch up my classic Paloma co*cktail, which is made with regular tequila. The result is a smoky version of that classic citrusy co*cktail we all love.
While mezcal can be a bit much for some people because of that smoky aftertaste, using it in a co*cktail is the perfect way to get used to the flavor, and it gets a bit diluted when you add a bit of sparkling water, making it very light and tolerable.
So, is a Paloma made of Tequila or Mezcal?
Paloma is just the name of the drink. But when it comes to the liquors, both come from the agave plant. Tequila technically can only be made from the blue Weber variety, while Mezcal can be made from lots of agave plant varieties. However, the most noticeable difference is the smoky aftertaste of mezcal, which isn't present when using tequila.
That said, the classic Paloma recipe is made with what is commonly called tequila, and this Mezcal Paloma, is made with this smoky liquor.
What is the Difference Between a Margarita and a Paloma
While both co*cktails have tequila, lime juice, and a salty rim, the main differences are the liquor, the fruit, and the texture of the co*cktail.
A Classic Margarita includes Triple Sec or Cointreau (orange liquor) and the only alcohol in a Paloma co*cktail is tequila -in this case, Mezcal.
Another difference is that Palomas includes grapefruit in its citrus profile, while margaritas only include lime. Finally, Palomas have sparkling water, which gives it a bubbly texture, while the Margarita is flat.
Mezcal Paloma Ingredients
This refreshing drink is a powerful combination of flavors that pair great together!Make sure to grab the measurements in the printable recipe below but here is what you'll need to have on hand:
- Mezcal:pick your favorite brand; if you don't have one, I recommend some great options down below.
- Fresh grapefruit juice:store-bought works too, but fresh juice is much better!
- Lime juice:about 1 wedge squeezed for more citrus flavors.
- Simple syrup or agave:to sweeten the Paloma. You can easily make your own homemade syrup for co*cktails with this recipe.
- Sparkling water:adds volume and makes it bubbly!
- Grapefruit wedge:optional for garnish.
- Sea salt: for the rim.
Do you use a co*cktail shaker to make a Paloma?
While most co*cktails are shaken in a co*cktail shaker, a Paloma is stirred directly in the glass since it includes sparkling water -which I promise you do not want to shake up! All you need is a long co*cktail spoon.
How to Make a Mezcal Paloma
Making Mezcal Paloma is as simple as mixing and sipping. Grab a glass and get ready to enjoy!
1. Prep the glass
This simply means that if you like a salted rim, it's best to rim it before you make the co*cktail.
2. Make the co*cktail
Fill the glass with ice and add the co*cktail ingredients. Use a spoon to stir and mix them around.
3. Garnish & enjoy!
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge, and serve.
Best Mezcal for this Paloma Recipe
Mezcal Artesanal, artisan-made or extracted by hand, is a nice choice to sip and make co*cktails. If you don't have a favorite brand, below are 3 great options to try in different price ranges:
El Padrino Artesanal Mezcal
Made in Mexico this Mezcal is pure in flavor, smooth enough to drink straight or mixed in a co*cktail. This brand also has infused varieties, with the Blood Orange being an excellent choice.
Gonzalez 1939 Mezcal
This Mezcal has medium smokey notes and floral flavors. It's an additive free option made with Espadi agave and is a great choice for making co*cktails or on the rocks.
Montelobos Mezcal Espadin
Made in small batches, roasted slow and made with organic Espadin agave; this Mezcal has subtle and sweet woody flavors with that smoky aftertaste your tastebuds expect.
How to Serve a Paloma
It's time to drink a Paloma and chill while sipping! Did anyone ask for freshness? Ice cubes are a perfect match for this co*cktail!
For more fruity summer vibes, add a grapefruit wedge or twisted peel. Should you add salt to the rim? That is up to you, but it's a great way to enjoy Mezcal Paloma!
More Drinks Using Mezcal
While I don't like sipping on mezcal, I love mixing it with many traditional tequila co*cktails that include juice and citrus flavors; which I find give any mezcal drink a good balance between sweetness and smokiness.
Some of my favorites include a Mezcal Sunrise and Mezcal Grapefruit co*cktail both of which are delish! Another favorite is a Mezcal Bloody Maria which is a great co*cktail for your next Sunday brunch.
Mezcal Paloma
Laura Fuentes
Bubbly and refreshing, Mezcal Paloma is a simple co*cktail with grapefruit and smoky flavors you can easily make at home with no shaker!
5 from 17 votes
Servings 1 drink
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 2 ounces mezcal
- 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ ounce lime juice, about 1 wedge squeezed
- ¼ ounce simple syrup or agave, or more for sweeter
- 2 ounces sparkling water, or more to top it off
- Grapefruit wedge, for garnish (optional)
- Sea salt, for the rim
Instructions
Prep your glass by running one lime wedge along the rim of a highball glass. Once coated, press into a margarita salt plate and set aside.
Fill the glass with ice, and add mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add the sparkling water, and with a spoon, mix to combine.
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge, and serve.
Equipment
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.1gSodium: 18mgPotassium: 115mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg
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