Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Mezcal Paloma
A smoky mezcal cocktail with the sweetness of charred pineapple and a spicy kick from fresh jalapeño slices. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes brings together mezcal, fresh grapefruit juice, charred pineapple chunks for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz mezcal
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/4 cup charred pineapple chunks
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3 thin slices jalapeño slices
- 2 oz club soda
- for rimming salt
- as needed ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare a rocks glass by rubbing the rim with a lime wedge and dipping it into salt to coat evenly, then set aside.
- Step 2: On a grill pan over medium-high heat, place 1/4 cup pineapple chunks and char for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until caramelized and smoky, then let cool.
- Step 3: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the charred pineapple chunks with 3 thin jalapeño slices to release their flavors.
- Step 4: Add 2 oz mezcal, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup to the shaker along with a handful of ice cubes.
- Step 5: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until chilled and aromatic.
- Step 6: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Step 7: Top with 2 oz club soda and gently stir to combine.
- Step 8: Garnish with an additional jalapeño slice or a small pineapple wedge and serve immediately for a smoky, sweet, and spicy cocktail.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Mezcal Paloma take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Mezcal Paloma?
Refrigerate any leftover charred pineapple and jalapeño mezcal paloma in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Mezcal Paloma?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Mezcal Paloma for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charred Pineapple and Jalapeño Mezcal Paloma?
General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
