Mezcal Paloma Recipe

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Cocktails have become a regular occurrence in our house of the past few months that we’ve been stuck at home, and this is one thing I’m not complaining about.

It’s been really fun experimenting and having something other than our usual pineapple margaritas or brandy old fashioned. We’ve tried prickly pear margaritas, elderberry gin cocktails and even this amazing Brazilian coconut cocktail.

This mezcal paloma was an instant hit, and I know we’ll be making regularly from now on.

three mezcal palomas lined up on a white marble surface, with a tile backdrop

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Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

Equipment

Cocktail shaker
Juice reamer *affiliate link
Jigger
Glass rimmer *affiliate link
Cocktail glasses

Ingredients

Mezcal
Triple sec
Grapefruit juice
Lime juice
Sparkling water

Ingredients note: if you don’t have mezcal at home, you can easily substitute tequila in this paloma recipe. You can also use pomelo instead of grapefruit!

How to make a paloma

Traditionally, palomas are made with grapefruit soda, but I’m not a huge fan of the added sugar, so I juiced some grapefruits we had on hand.

I got about 1 cup of grapefruit juice from 2 grapefruits, but it can vary so if you’re going to the store, buy a few extra. You can always use them for garnish.

Mixing the cocktail itself is so easy. Just shake the mezcal, triple sec and lim/grapefruit juice with ice until it’s super cold.

Strain the cocktail into two rimmed glasses and top with your favorite sparkling water. We used Topo Chico, but any bubbly water will work. You can even use soda, if you want.

hand taking a mezcal paloma cocktail from a serving tray

This drink would be great with:

More cocktail recipes you’ll love:

overhead image of three mezcal palomas on a marble surface

What mixes good with mezcal?

Mezcal pairs really well with a variety of ingredients. It goes particularly well with citrus fruit, such as the grapefruit used in this drink.

Why is the drink called Paloma?

Paloma means dove in Spanish, and the drink is named after a popular Mexicna folk song called La Paloma.

What is in a Paloma?

Traditionally, a paloma is made with tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda, but this recipe is made with mezcal and grapefruit juice.

How many calories are in a Paloma?

This paloma recipe carries about 150 calories, which is a bit lower than a traditional paloma made with grapefruit soda.