Mezcal Paloma || Delicious Summer Cocktail

This Mezcal Paloma recipe is the perfect way to usher in the warmer weather.  Give this tasty cocktail recipe a try today and let us know your thoughts!

Mezcal Palomas are by far one of my favorite Summer cocktail recipes.  Made with mezcal tequila, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice topped with soda water (optional).  It’s basically everything you love about Summer in a frosty glass.  

Most Paloma recipes are made with traditional tequila, but we wanted to give this cocktail a little twist by using mezcal tequila instead.  Mezcal tequila gives this paloma cocktail a slight smoky flavor.  I’d recommend choosing a Mezcal that is very mild such as Amores.  If you prefer to use a more traditional tequila, we love Milagro or Patron.  

This Mezcal Paloma recipe is so easy to make.  I prefer mine with just a few simple ingredients. In jut a few quick minutes you’ll have a tasty, smoky flavored cocktail every one of your guests will love.  

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEZCAL AND TEQUILA?

While the two Mexican spirits are both made from agave, that’s where the similarities end. Here are the key differences between these two spirits.

Tequila is a type of mezcal and is defined as any agave-based liquor. This includes tequila, which is made in specific regions of Mexico and must be made from only blue agave (agave tequilana).

Mezcal can be made from more than 30 varieties of agave. The most common varieties of agave used for mezcal are tobalá, tobaziche, tepeztate, arroqueño and espadín, which is the most common agave and accounts for up to 90% of mezcal.

Both tequila and mezcal are made from the harvested core of the agave plant, otherwise known as the “piña.” However, that’s where the similarities in production end. Tequila is typically produced by steaming the agave inside industrial ovens before being distilled two or three times in copper pots.

Mezcal, on the other hand, is cooked inside earthen pits that are lined with lava rocks and filled with wood and charcoal before being distilled in clay pots.

While some large-scale mezcal producers have adopted modern methods, artisanal mezcal makers continue to use this more traditional method, which is the source of the smokiness commonly associated with mezcal.*

** Details directly above found on foodandwine.com

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WHICH MEZCAL SHOULD I CHOOSE? 

If you have never had mezcal before, don’t go into it expecting it to be taste just like tequila. Our recommendation is to start with an Espadin variety and drink it slowly.

Usually, an orange slice and some salt sit on top in the most traditional form of this alcoholic liquor, but mezcal can also be mixed to create your favorite cocktail. Mezcal isn’t made for drinking quickly so take your time and let the flavors roll over your tongue. 

OUR FAVORITE MEZCAL

Here are just a few of our favorite mezcal brands which mix perfectly in a paloma cocktail, on the rocks, combined in your favorite cocktail recipe and more!  

• Casamigos Mezcal – Casamigos Joven Mezcal is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico by a 4th generation family of Mezcaleros using 100% Espadin agaves. Every one of the bottles is hand crafted using a unique process insuring no two bottles will ever be the same.  $65.99 for 750ml
• Del Maguey Vida Mezcal – Del Maguey Vida San Luis Del Rio Mezcal is the perfect place to start when you want to try mezcal. This Mexican liquor is a little harder to find than tequila and other options, but Del Maguey has made its Vida Mezcal easy to get and at an entry-level price.  $40 for 750ml
• Ilegal Mezcal Joven – Full bodied agave flavor. Eucalyptus and mineral aromas compliment hints of green apple, fresh citrus, and red chiltepe. Hint of smoke. $44.99 for 750ml
• Mezcal El Silencio Espadin – Mezcal El Silencio is made in Oaxaca, Mexico, using the traditional process carried on by generations of mezcaleros. Meticulously picked agaves are roasted, crushed, and double distilled, resulting in a full-bodied flavor.  $39.99 for 750ml

TIPS FOR MAKING A MEZCAL PALOMA COCKTAIL

It should also be noted, most would also make a Mezcal Paloma cocktail with a salted rim.  You can either do so or not.  I prefer no salted rim, but have included details on how to add, if needed.  A sugar rim can be tasty, as well.  

I prefer Ruby Red Grapefruit juice, but regular grapefruit juice is delicious, too.  When possible, I try to make this mezcal paloma recipe with fresh grapefruit juice.

If you are looking for more of a spicy mezcal paloma, consider adding a bit of chili powder to your salt mixture along the rim.  

Now, let’s get to the good stuff!  The details on how to make this incredibly delicious grapefruit cocktail!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR THIS MEZCAL COCKTAIL

• Smoky Mezcal or traditional Tequila 
• Grapefruit juice (we like Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice fresh squeezed, when possible) 
• Sparkling water (you can also use soda water, club soda or grapefruit soda) 
• Salt for rim (sea salt or kosher salt will work) 
• Simple syrup (you can also use agave syrup)

HOW TO MAKE A MEZCAL PALOMA 

1. Add salt to a plate and line the rim of your glass with a grapefruit wedge or lime juice.  Dip the now wet rimmed glass in the salt until you have reached your desired amount along the rim.
2. Fill two glasses with ice to the rim and set aside. 
3. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.  Add Mezcal or Tequila, grapefruit juice and simple syrup (you can also use agave syrup, if preferred) to the shaker.  Shake for 15-20 seconds.  Use a strainer to strain the cocktail and and fill the glass. 
4. Top off the Mezcal Paloma with grapefruit soda (you can also use soda water, club soda or sparkling water, if preferred), raise a glass and enjoy!  Garnish with a lime wedge, lime zest or small slice of grapefruit.  

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Mezcal Paloma || Delicious Summer Cocktail

5 from 1 vote

Delicious summer mezcal paloma cocktail that is made with simple ingredients.

SERVES/MAKES: 2 cocktails

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 2 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup sea salt
• Small ruby red grapefruit wedge
• 2 ounces Mezcal or Silver Tequila (such as Patrón)
• 2 ounces fresh pink grapefruit juice
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 1 ounce grapefruit soda (optional. You can also use club soda, sparkling water or soda water)

Instructions:

• Add salt to a plate and line the rim of your glass with a grapefruit wedge or lime juice.  Dip the now wet rimmed glass in the salt until you have reached your desired amount along the rim.
• Fill two glasses with ice to the rim and set aside.
• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.  Add Mezcal or Tequila, grapefruit juice and simple syrup (you can also use agave syrup, if preferred) to the shaker.  Shake for 15-20 seconds.  Use a strainer to strain the cocktail and and fill the glass. 
• Top off the Mezcal Paloma with grapefruit soda (you can also use soda water, club soda or sparkling water, if preferred), raise a glass and enjoy!  Garnish with a lime wedge, lime zest or small slice of grapefruit.  

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