Citrus-Spiced Mezcal Paloma
A smoky mezcal Paloma with fresh grapefruit and a warming touch of cinnamon syrup, served on the rocks for a refreshing sip. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs mezcal, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz cinnamon syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- for rimming salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a highball glass and dip it into salt to coat evenly. Fill the glass with large ice cubes.
- Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz mezcal, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, and 3/4 oz cinnamon syrup. Add ice cubes to fill halfway.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until chilled.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass over the ice.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and gently stir once with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with a thin grapefruit wheel slid onto the rim and a cinnamon stick standing upright in the glass.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Spiced Mezcal Paloma take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Spiced Mezcal Paloma?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mezcal from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Spiced 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 Citrus-Spiced 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 Citrus-Spiced Mezcal Paloma?
Cocktails quick meals 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.
