Tamarind Mezcal Paloma
A smoky mezcal Paloma elevated with tangy tamarind and fresh grapefruit juice, delivering a vibrant balance of smoky, tart, and sweet flavors. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 7 minutes pairs Mezcal, Fresh grapefruit juice, Tamarind syrup 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
- 2 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
- 3/4 oz Tamarind syrup
- 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
- 2 oz Club soda
- for rimming Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Rim a rocks glass with lime juice and dip it into coarse salt to create a salted rim.
- Step 2: Fill the glass with large clear ice cubes.
- Step 3: In a shaker filled halfway with ice cubes, pour 2 oz mezcal, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 3/4 oz tamarind syrup, and 1/2 oz fresh lime juice.
- Step 4: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until chilled.
- Step 5: Strain into the prepared rocks glass.
- Step 6: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently once to integrate.
- Step 7: Garnish with a thin wheel of grapefruit resting on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind 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 Tamarind 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 Tamarind 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 Tamarind 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 Tamarind 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.
