Mezcal Paloma
A smoky reinvention of Mexico's beloved Paloma, where mezcal's earthy complexity transforms the classic grapefruit highball into a sophisticated, layered cocktail.
15%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
highball
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Mezcal Paloma emerged during the early 21st century craft cocktail renaissance as bartenders began exploring mezcal's complex, smoky profile. Building on the foundation of Mexico's beloved Paloma, which likely originated in the 1950s with the introduction of grapefruit soda to Mexican markets, the mezcal variation showcases how a simple spirit substitution can transform a refreshing highball into a sophisticated cocktail that bridges traditional Mexican drinking culture with modern mixology.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
2 oz
2 oz
0.5 oz
0.5 oz
2 oz
1 pinch
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Rim a highball glass with salt and fill with ice
In a shaker filled with ice, combine mezcal, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled
Strain into the prepared highball glass
Top with grapefruit soda and add a pinch of salt
Stir gently to integrate
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge
Glassware
Salt-rimmed highball glass filled with ice
Garnish
Thick wedge of fresh pink grapefruit
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use 100% agave mezcal joven for best cocktail balance
Fresh-squeezed pink grapefruit juice is essential for optimal flavor
Shake the base ingredients thoroughly before adding soda to preserve carbonation
Mexican grapefruit sodas like Jarritos work best for authenticity
Express grapefruit oils from the garnish for added aromatics
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Mezcal Paloma.
Smoky and Strong
More spirit-forward version with increased mezcal and reduced soda.
Changes
Tart and Tangy
Extra lime juice for a more acidic kick.
Changes
Less Sweet
Omits agave nectar for a drier profile.
Changes
Spicy Mezcal Paloma
Muddled jalapeño adds heat and complexity.
Changes
Herbal Mezcal Paloma
Fresh rosemary adds aromatic, piney notes.
Changes
Bitter Mezcal Paloma
Grapefruit bitters enhance citrus complexity.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Cantarito
A Jalisco roadside classic—blanco tequila with lime, orange, grapefruit and a splash of grapefruit soda over ice.
Mezcal Tommy's
A modern classic that elevates its parent cocktail, the Tommy's Margarita, into a more complex and contemplative experience by substituting mezcal for tequila.
Mezcal Margarita
A modern classic smoky twist on the beloved Margarita—mezcal's earthy, complex character balanced with fresh lime, agave, and orange liqueur.