Our Smokey Mezcal Paloma is the best seasonal cocktail! With fall in the air we wanted to slowly transition out of summer with a yummy cocktail that can be made in either season. This recipe is the perfect blend of smoke and citrus. 

The salty, chili-lime rim isn’t necessary, but it really kicks up the flavor! Mezcal is Tequila’s cousin and can be made from any agave plant. The smokiness comes from the roasting process over an open fire. If you aren’t interested in this Smokey Mezcal then you can substitute this recipe with your favorite Tequila instead. 

For this Smokey Mezcal Cocktail, we mixed a pitcher to quickly supply refills although, if you want to keep in mind fresh juiced grapefruit is an easy fix. This keeps an eye out on the sugar content since it can alter the drink as well as how you feel in the morning. (If you have too many!) We opted for our favorite local honey which provides a small amount of sweetness without overpowering the drink. Lastly, we top off this with a little soda water. This really just provides a simple pop to finish the drink. Lastly, don’t forget the garnish – we took some mint from the garden and others requested a slice of Jalapeno for another element of spice!

Let us know your thoughts on this recipe within the comments section below.

THE COCKTAIL!!!

INSPIRATION: Mezcal Paloma – Peel with Zeal

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS 

Make Chili-Lime Salt Rim

Combine salt, chili powder, and lime zest and spread out a small plate.

Mezcal Paloma

1. Wipe the rim of a highball glass with a wedge of lime. Dip into the chili-lime salt to coat rim.
2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the mezcal, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup and shake about 15 seconds.
3. Pour into a salt-rimmed glass and top off with soda water and a few ice cubes. Garnish with mint and grapefruit wedges.

If Tequilla is not your thing, then be sure to check out our Moscow Mule or our Purple Basil Gin Fizz!!