Spiced Mango Mezcal Paloma

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky mezcal Paloma cocktail brightened with fresh grapefruit juice and spiced with a hint of chili salt rim. This mexican-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together mezcal, fresh grapefruit juice, mango puree 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 180 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Mexican cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 tsp chili powder and 1/2 tsp coarse salt. Rub the rim of a rocks glass with a grapefruit slice and dip into the chili salt mixture to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Fill the glass with 1 cup ice cubes. In a shaker, combine 2 oz mezcal, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 1 oz mango puree, and 1/2 oz lime juice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Step 3: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over ice. Top with 2 oz club soda and gently stir once to combine the layers.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with the grapefruit slice on the rim and serve immediately, enjoying the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Mango Mezcal Paloma take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Spiced Mango Mezcal Paloma?

Refrigerate any leftover spiced mango 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 Spiced Mango 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 Spiced Mango 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 Spiced Mango Mezcal Paloma?

Mexican cocktails & drinks 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.