Mezcal Grapefruit Cocktail

The smoky-sweet flavor combination of this Mezcal Grapefruit cocktail is wonderful for a refreshing change.

What is a Mezcal Grapefruit Cocktail?

A Mezcal Grapefruit cocktail is very similar to a traditional paloma where the main difference is that it is made with a smoky mezcal instead of a spicy tequila flavor, which confusingly is also a type of mezcal, since they’re both agave based spirits. However, tequila only comes from the blue agave plant, while mezcal comes from over 50 types of agave plants.

This Mezcal Grapefruit cocktail has a shot of smoky mezcal, a little fresh grapefruit juice and some citrus soda to top it off. A little squeeze of lime brings it all together, plus I like to add a slice of jalapeno for a tiny bit of spice. Add more or less lime, juice or soda according to taste.

Why You’ll Love this Mezcal Cocktail

Refreshing Mezcal Cocktail – This easy mezcal mixed drink pairs wonderfully with smoky mezcal and sweet and tangy grapefruit juice and lime.

Perfect for any Occasion – This refreshing drink is delightful for pool or dinner parties, happy hour, late night drinks, taco night, Cinco de Mayo or really any occasion, special or just because.

Fun Cocktail Creation – Everybody serves vodka, whiskey and tequila cocktails and this drink is a fun way to mix things up and wow your guests. Plus, there are no cocktail mixes or prepackaged ingredients!

Mezcal Grapefruit Cocktail Ingredients

• Mezcal: Choose your favorite mezcal, I like mezcal’s from Oaxaca.
• Grapefruit Juice: Fresh grapefruit juice is so much better than bottled so I always take the extra step to juice a few for all our cocktails. It’s your call! Grapefruit soda such as Jarritos or Squirt will work in a pinch.
• Citrus Soda: Grapefruit, lemon, lime or lemon-lime. Regular soda water will work in a pinch as well.
• Lime wedges: To squeeze into the drink, line the rim glass and garnish, if desired.
• Jalapeños or Serranos: You can leave out the spicy pepper if you prefer; they’re delicious either way!
• Salt: For rimming the glass, margarita salt or lime salt or any salt will work. Tajin or a chili salt is great too.

A complete ingredients list with amounts is in the printable recipe card below!

How to Make a Mezcal Grapefruit Cocktail

1. Run the side of the lime wedge along half the side of a highball glass at the very top (see picture). Press into salt until it adheres to the glass.
2. Fill glass with ice. Add mezcal, grapefruit juice and soda to glass. Squeeze in the juice of the lime wedge and drop in jalapeno slice, if desired.

Mezcal Grapefruit Cocktail Tips & Variations

Rim the cocktail glass with lime – Before adding salt rim the glass with lime.

Make it like traditional paloma – Make this drink just like a traditional paloma and use grapefruit soda in place of fresh grapefruit juice. Jarritos and Squirt are the most common brands used in Mexico for a paloma but there are other brands available too.

Mezcal & Tequila – If you prefer a little spice and smoke use both in equal parts for balance.

Garnish Substitutes – Lemon and orange will work in place of the lime. Mint or basil are nice additions too.

Whiskey or Vodka Paloma – If mezcal isn’t your thing, try whiskey or vodka instead.

Continue to Content

Mezcal Grapefruit Cocktail

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This Mezcal Grapefruit Cocktail has a shot of smoky mezcal, a little fresh grapefruit juice and some citrus soda to top it off. A little a squeeze of lime brings it all together, plus a slice of jalapeno for a tiny bit of spice, if you prefer.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Mezcal
• 4 ounces grapefruit juice, fresh or store bought
• 2 ounces citrus soda, grapefruit, lemon, or lime
• 1 lime wedge, plus an extra for rim, if desired
• 1 jalapeno slice, optional
• Salt for rim, mix it with a little ancho chili powder, if desired

Instructions

1. Run the side of the lime wedge along half the side of a highball glass at the very top (see picture). Press into salt until it adheres to the glass.
2. Fill glass with ice. Add mezcal, grapefruit juice and soda to glass. Squeeze in the juice of the lime wedge and drop in jalapeno slice, if desired.

Try these cocktails next:

• 30 Champagne Cocktail Recipes
• 20 Incredible Moscow Mule Recipes
• Dirty Shirley
• Cucumber Margarita

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Kristy Bernardo

Kristy Bernardo is the recipe creator behind The Wicked Noodle. She's a five-time cookbook author, has taught cooking classes to both kids and adults, and has been creating recipes for nationwide brands since 2009. She learned most of her cooking skills from her mom and grandmother, then honed those skills at boot camp at the Culinary Institute of America.

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