Mexican · Madre Mezcal
Madre Mezcal Paloma
Swap the tequila for mezcal and the paloma changes completely. Mezcal is made from agave roasted in earth pits, so it carries smoke, and smoke against grapefruit is one of the best pairings in the whole cocktail canon.
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Ingredients
- Madre Mezcal Espadin Black Label 700ml
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 to 5 oz grapefruit soda
- Pinch of salt
- Ice, grapefruit or lime wedge
Method
- Fill a tall glass to the top with ice.
- Add the tequila, the lime juice and a small pinch of salt.
- Top with grapefruit soda and stir once, gently, so you keep the fizz.
- Garnish with a wedge of grapefruit or lime.
The one thing that matters
Madre's espadin is soft as mezcals go, so it will not take over the drink. Use a proper grapefruit soda, not diet, and be generous with the salt.
Questions
Can you make a paloma with mezcal?
Yes, and many people prefer it. The smoke from the roasted agave plays against the bitterness of the grapefruit in a way tequila cannot. Start with a softer espadin like Madre before you try anything heavier.
What is the difference between mezcal and tequila?
Tequila must be blue agave and the agave is steamed. Mezcal can be many agave varieties and the hearts are roasted in earth pits, which is where the smoke comes from. All tequila is technically mezcal; not all mezcal is tequila.