Citrus-Infused Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Soda
A smoky and tangy Paloma cocktail that blends mezcal with fresh lime and grapefruit soda for a bright, effervescent drink. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together mezcal, fresh lime juice, grapefruit soda 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 160 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
- 1 1/2 oz mezcal
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 3 oz grapefruit soda
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- for rimming fine salt
- as needed large ice cubes
- 1, for garnish grapefruit wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: Rim a highball glass with a thin layer of fresh lime juice and dip into fine salt to coat the edge.
- Step 2: Fill the glass with large ice cubes.
- Step 3: In a shaker filled with ice, pour 1 1/2 oz mezcal, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz agave syrup.
- Step 4: Shake gently for 10 seconds to combine and chill.
- Step 5: Strain into the prepared highball glass and top with 3 oz grapefruit soda.
- Step 6: Stir gently once to combine.
- Step 7: Garnish with a grapefruit wheel placed on the rim, slightly twisted to release oils.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Infused Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Soda take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Infused Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Soda?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-infused mezcal paloma with grapefruit soda 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 Citrus-Infused Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Soda?
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 Citrus-Infused Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Soda 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 Citrus-Infused Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Soda?
Cocktails & Beverages 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.
