Smoky Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit and Chili
A smoky and refreshing Paloma cocktail with mezcal and tequila, balanced by tart grapefruit juice and a spicy chili salt rim. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 8 minutes pairs reposado tequila, mezcal, fresh grapefruit 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
- 1 1/2 oz reposado tequila
- 1/2 oz mezcal
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 grapefruit wedge
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix 1/4 teaspoon chili powder with 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt on a small plate. Rub the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit wedge and dip it into the chili-salt mixture to coat.
- Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 1/2 oz reposado tequila, 1/2 oz mezcal, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz agave syrup.
- Step 4: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
- Step 5: Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 6: Strain the cocktail into the glass and top with 2 oz club soda.
- Step 7: Gently stir once with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 8: Garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit and Chili take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Smoky Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit and Chili?
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 reposado tequila from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit and Chili?
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 Smoky Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit and Chili 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 Smoky Tequila Paloma with Grapefruit and Chili?
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.
