Shaken Tropical Mezcal Paloma
A smoky twist on the classic Paloma, this cocktail combines mezcal with fresh grapefruit and lime juices for a vibrant and refreshing experience. This quick recipe, ready in about 7 minutes, brings together mezcal, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice 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 170 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
- 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
- 1 piece grapefruit wedge
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Run a grapefruit wedge around the rim of a highball glass and dip the rim into kosher salt to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim. 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.
- Step 4: Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice cubes and strain the cocktail into it.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and give a gentle stir to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish by placing a grapefruit wedge on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shaken Tropical Mezcal Paloma take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Shaken Tropical Mezcal Paloma?
Refrigerate any leftover shaken tropical mezcal paloma 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 Shaken Tropical 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 Tropical 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 Tropical 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.
