Mezcal Grapefruit Paloma with Chili Salt Rim
A smoky mezcal Paloma elevated with fresh grapefruit juice and a spicy chili salt rim for a bold, tangy finish. 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 170 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
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- for rimming chili salt
- 1 grapefruit wedge
- enough to fill glass ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub a grapefruit wedge around the rim of a highball glass, then dip the rim into a plate of chili salt to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Fill the glass with ice cubes to the top.
- Step 3: In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz mezcal, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz agave syrup.
- Step 4: Stir gently for 20 seconds to chill.
- Step 5: Strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass over ice.
- Step 6: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Step 7: Garnish with the grapefruit wedge placed on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mezcal Grapefruit Paloma with Chili Salt Rim 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 Mezcal Grapefruit Paloma with Chili Salt Rim?
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 Mezcal Grapefruit Paloma with Chili Salt Rim?
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 Mezcal Grapefruit Paloma with Chili Salt Rim 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 Mezcal Grapefruit Paloma with Chili Salt Rim?
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.
