Shaken Smoky Mezcal Paloma
A refreshing Paloma with a smoky mezcal twist, balanced by fresh grapefruit juice and a hint of agave syrup. This cocktails-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
- for rimming kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Rim a highball glass with kosher salt by moistening the rim with lime and dipping it into salt. Fill the glass with large ice cubes.
- Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz mezcal, 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz agave syrup.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- 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.
- Step 6: Garnish with a thin grapefruit wheel resting on the rim and a small sprig of fresh mint.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shaken Smoky Mezcal Paloma 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 Shaken Smoky 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 Shaken Smoky 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 Shaken Smoky 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 Shaken Smoky 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.
