Spicy Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit
A smoky mezcal cocktail brightened by fresh grapefruit juice and a spicy chili salt rim for a bold, refreshing experience. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 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
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- for rimming chili salt
- 1 for garnish grapefruit wedge
- as needed large ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub the rim of a rocks glass with a grapefruit wedge and dip it into chili salt to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Fill the glass with large ice cubes to keep the drink cold with minimal dilution.
- Step 3: In a shaker filled halfway with ice, pour 2 oz mezcal, 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz agave syrup.
- Step 4: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker feels cold to the touch.
- Step 5: Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass over the large ice cubes.
- Step 6: Top with 2 oz club soda and gently stir once to combine.
- Step 7: Garnish by placing the grapefruit wedge on the glass rim with a slight twist to release oils.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Spicy Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit?
Refrigerate any leftover spicy mezcal paloma with grapefruit 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 Spicy Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit?
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 Spicy Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit 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 Spicy Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit?
Cocktails 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.
