Mezcal Paloma Cocktail Recipe: A Smoky Twist on a Mexican Classic

When it comes to iconic Mexican cocktails, the Paloma holds a well-deserved spot in the spotlight. Traditionally made with tequila, this grapefruit-forward drink is beloved for its refreshing citrus bite and balance of bitterness and sweetness. But in recent years, mezcal has stepped in to give the Paloma cocktail a bold, smoky twist, and the result is simply unforgettable.

A Little History Behind the Paloma Mezcal

While the Margarita tends to steal the international limelight, many in Mexico would argue that the Paloma drink is the country’s true everyday classic. Meaning “dove” in Spanish, the Paloma’s exact origin remains a bit of a mystery, but its appeal is universal.

Swapping tequila for mezcal transforms the drink completely. The mezcal Paloma cocktail takes on a smoky complexity that plays beautifully with the bright, tart, and slightly bitter notes of grapefruit. It’s familiar, but different and that’s exactly why people love it.

What Ingredients do we need to prepare it?

Serves: 1 cocktail | Prep time: 5 minutes

• 1½ oz Del Maguey Mezcal (Vida Clasico or Espadin)
  
• 1½ oz freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice
  
• ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  
• ⅓ oz agave syrup (optional, depending on your soda)
  
• Pink grapefruit soda (like Tom’s Henry, Squirt, or Jarritos)
  
• Salt or Tajín for rimming (optional)
  
• Grapefruit or lime wedge for garnish
  
• Ice

How to Make a Mezcal Paloma Drink

Tips for the Best Paloma Cocktail with Mezcal

The secret to an unforgettable mezcal Paloma recipe is all in the details. Freshly squeezed juices are a must — they offer a brightness and depth of flavor that bottled versions simply can’t match. 

Adjust the sweetness to your liking; if your soda is already sugary, you might not need much (or any) agave syrup. The fizziness of the soda is crucial too — always use a freshly opened bottle to get that lively effervescence that lifts the whole drink. And finally, don’t be afraid to personalize it. 

Tweak the proportions to make it more citrusy, smoky, or dry, and play around with different types of salt or chili blends for the rim to make it your own.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best things about the mezcal Paloma drink is its flexibility. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s easy to experiment:

• Herbal twist: Muddle fresh rosemary or basil into the shaker for a fragrant, earthy edge.
  
• Spicy kick: Add a few jalapeño slices for heat that balances the citrus.
  
• Fruity notes: Try muddling fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries.
  
• Depth with bitters: A couple dashes of grapefruit or aromatic bitters can add an extra layer of complexity.

Choosing the Right Mezcal for Your Paloma

The soul of the Paloma cocktail with mezcal lies in the quality of the spirit. We recommend using:

Del Maguey Vida Clásico:

For a well-balanced smoke profile that mixes beautifully.

Del Maguey Espadín:

For a bolder, more robust flavor that stands out in the glass.

Both expressions bring authenticity and character to the cocktail while honoring traditional Oaxacan production methods.

Final Thoughts

The mezcal Paloma cocktail recipe brings together the rustic smokiness of mezcal with the bright, crisp flavors of citrus and bubbles. It’s simple, flexible, and impossible not to love — whether you’re sipping poolside, pairing with tacos, or mixing drinks for friends.