A homemade slushy cocktail like this frozen version of a Mezcal Paloma is a perfect way to beat the summer heat. On top, this boozy frozen cocktail is also super easy to make.
For this frozen Paloma slushie, you'll need a smoky Mezcal, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, a dash of simple syrup, and sea salt. Put all these ingredients, plus ice, in a blender to get the perfect slushy consistency.
So, if you're already a fan of a classic Tequila Paloma, our Mezcal Paloma on the rocks, this recipe is for you.
About the Drink
The Paloma (Spanish term for dove) cocktail is a traditional Mexican drink based on Tequila. It's an easy-to-make drink featuring Silver or Reposado Tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, and grapefruit soda like Fresca or Squirt.
The original Paloma cocktail is typically served on the rocks, garnished with a lime wedge, and sometimes a salt-rimmed glass. While this classic is an excellent drink for every occasion, the homemade frozen Paloma is our absolute favorite for pool or beach sessions. You simply add all ingredients to a mixer and blend until they have the smooth and slushy consistency you want.
Ingredients
For the frozen version of the Mezcal Paloma, you only need a few ingredients:
- Mezcal: the Mexican spirit distilled from agave has trending in the US for the past years already and now also gains international traction. The traditional way of drinking Mezcal is neat from a jicara or copita, but the smoky flavors are more accessible when you mix the spirit into cocktails - especially frozen ones soften the taste. Also, you can pick any of the different types of Mezcal but we usually use Joven. Also check out our recommendations below
- Citrus juice: freshly squeezed lime and grapefruit juice are key to this beautiful frozen Mezcal cocktail.
- Agave syrup: to balance the booze, the smokiness, and the tart and bitter flavors from the grapefruit and the lime
- Salt: a pinch of salt goes into the drink and you can also consider making a salt rim. That's optional for a Paloma, though.
Which Mezcal to use in a Frozen Paloma
Choosing the right Mezcal for a cocktail can be tricky. Different Mezcal products vary in the level of smokiness. You can find bottles with almost no smoky flavor and others pretty much full of it.
If you're a fan of smoky spirits, try the Montelobos Joven Mezcal. For a less smoke-forward Mezcal, choose Alipús San Luis Del Rio. You can also have a look at our recommended bottles of Mezcal for more inspiration.
More Mezcal cocktails
In case you're looking for more delicious Mezcal Cocktails you can make with the smoky Mexican spirit, you can almost always use it as a substitute for cocktails mixed with Tequila.
Plus, here's a list of the best Mezcal cocktails with some must-try recipes, like the Mezcal Sour and Mezcal Negroni.
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 Jigger
Ingredients
- 2 oz Joven Mezcal
- 2 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz Agave syrup
- 1 cup Ice cubes
- 1 pinch Salt
- Kosher salt or fleur de sel (for rim)
Instructions
- Salt rim a glass and set it aside.Kosher salt or fleur de sel (for rim)
- Add all ingredients, including the ice and a pinch of salt, into your blender.2 oz Joven Mezcal, 2 oz Fresh grapefruit juice, 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz Agave syrup, 1 cup Ice cubes, 1 pinch Salt
- Blend the mixture until it reaches the desired texture. We're looking for a perfectly smooth slushy consistency.
- Once done, transfer into a glass and garnish with a lime wheel.