Herbal Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Zest
A smoky mezcal Paloma enhanced with herbal notes and bright grapefruit zest for a complex, refreshing sip. This cocktails & drinks-inspired quick meals ready in about 7 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 160 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
- 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- 1 sprig fresh thyme sprig
- 1 long strip grapefruit peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to the top. Pour in 2 oz mezcal, 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz agave syrup.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and blend.
- Step 3: Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 4: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir once lightly to combine.
- Step 5: Clap a fresh thyme sprig between your palms to release aromas and place it upright in the glass.
- Step 6: Express a long strip of grapefruit peel over the drink, twisting to release oils, then rim the glass with it and drop it in as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herbal Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Zest take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Herbal Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Zest?
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 Herbal Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Zest?
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 Herbal Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Zest 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 Herbal Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit Zest?
Cocktails & Drinks 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.
