If you like the smoky flavor of mezcal, you'll love this mezcal paloma infused with jalapeño simple syrup! It's a smoky, spicy version of your favorite grapefruit and tequila cocktail.
I love a tart, refreshing cocktail (which is why my skinny margaritas are a go-to). This time of year, when citrus is abundant, I always get in the mood for the margarita's cousin - a paloma. If you haven't had one before, you certainly should, and if you have, I've come up with a new twist for you - a smoky, spicy mezcal paloma!
What is Mezcal? How is it different from tequila?
Mezcal is a distilled spirit that, like tequila, is made from the agave plant. It's produced in two specific regions of Mexico, Oaxaca and Durango, whereas tequila is typically produced in Jalisco. The two are also made from different types of agave plants. Tequila uses only Blue Agave, while mezcal can be made from one or more of over 40 different types of agave plant. If you want to get technical, tequila is a type of mezcal, not the other way around like most people think.
What makes mezcal distinct (and what we care about here) is it’s signature smoky taste, and that comes from the distillation process. Mezcal is distilled using in-ground fire pits with wood and charcoal. Tequila is made in above-ground ovens.
What Is In a Paloma Cocktail?
A paloma is a signature Mexican cocktail traditionally made with tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda. It's refreshing and delicious. Many versions (mine included) uses fresh grapefruit juice and club soda or sparkling water. Mostly because I like things tart and I typically over-buy grapefruits during citrus season.
Why You'll Love This Mezcal Paloma
This mezcal paloma is a fun twist on a paloma cocktail. Mezcal instead of tequila lends a smoky taste that is perfectly complemented by an easy jalapeño simple syrup and a chipotle smoked salt rim. Freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sparkling water (Topo Chico is my favorite!) round it out for a refreshing, easy drinking cocktail with a little kick! It sounds complex but I promise you it's not - it only tastes that way!
How To Make a Delicious, Smoky Mezcal Paloma
First, make the jalapeño simple syrup.
Combine sugar, water and jalapeño in a small saucepan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, cover, and cool to room temperature, then strain (if needed) into a glass jar.
Next, make the chipotle smoked salt mixture for the rims.
- It's exactly how it sounds. On a plate, combine the smoked salt (I use Maldon) and chipotle powder.
- Wet the rim of the glasses with a lime wedge and roll in the salt mixture. Then fill glasses with ice.
Make the cocktails.
- Add mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to a one of the glasses.
- Top with soda and give it a little stir.
- Garnish with jalapeño slices and lime slices if you'd like.
Bartending Tips for the Most Delicious Palomas
- Simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed jar for up to 2 weeks. I keep the jalapeño in the jar.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit your taste.
- Limes and grapefruits should only be juiced up to 12 hours in advance, as the flavor starts to diminish after a while.
- For big batch/make ahead cocktails, stir together all ingredients besides soda in a large pitcher with NO ice. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with soda by the glass just before serving.
- If you don't have smoked salt or chipotle powder, you can use plain salt for the rim, or Tajin (if you have it) would be good too!
More Grapefruit Cocktails You'll Love
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the comments!
PrintSmoky Mezcal Paloma
If you like the smoky flavor of mezcal, you'll love this mezcal paloma infused with jalapeño simple syrup! It's a smoky, spicy version of your favorite grapefruit and tequila cocktail.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: drinks
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
For the Jalapeño Simple Syrup:
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 halved jalapeño
For The Rim:
- Smoked salt
- Chipotle powder
For a Paloma:
- Ice
- 1 ½ oz mezcal
- 2 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
- ½ oz Jalapeño Simple Syrup
- Splash club soda or sparkling water (I like Topo Chico)
Instructions
- Make the jalapeño simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water and jalapeño. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat, cover and let cool to room temperature. Once cool, strain (if needed) into a glass jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the smoked salt rim. On a small plate, mix a small amount of smoked salt and a couple pinches of chipotle powder.
- Wet the rim of a glass with a lime wedge. Roll in the salt mixture. Fill the glass with ice.
- Add mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the glass. Top with soda and give it a little stir.
- Garnish with jalapeño and lime slices (optional).
Notes
- Simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed jar for up to 2 weeks. I keep the jalapeño in the jar.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit your taste.
- Limes and grapefruits should only be juiced up to 12 hours in advance, as the flavor starts to diminish after a while.
- For big batch/make ahead cocktails, stir together all ingredients besides soda in a large pitcher with NO ice. (For batch cocktail measurements, replace "oz" in the recipe with "cups".) Refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with soda by the glass just before serving.
- If you don't have smoked salt or chipotle powder, you can use plain salt for the rim, or Tajin (if you have it) would be good too!
- If you prefer to use a shaker instead of stirring, go for it! I'm lazy and don't want to dirty another dish. Just leave the soda out and our it on to pin the glass.
Keywords: mezcal paloma cocktail, paloma with mezcal, spicy paloma cocktail, jalapeño paloma
KathyD says
Absolutely delicious! This is my first time trying Mezcal, and I'm so glad I chose this cocktail recipe. It had perfect parts smoky, spicy, sweet, and sour. I loved the smoked salt and chipotle pepper rim, too. It was a 10 out of 10 cocktail. Thank you!
★★★★★
Vanessa says
I was standing *in* the liquor store trying to decide if I wanted to embark on my first at-home attempt at a mezcal cocktail (having recently discovered I love the spirit). Your recipe popped up on Google, and sounded fun and doable. Such a great find! This was delicious. Thank you.
Kaleigh says
Love it! So glad you liked it, Vanessa!