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Discover the Delight of a Frozen Paloma Cocktail

Why This Cocktail Stands Out

The use of grapefruit in this drink brings a gentle floral essence coupled with the ideal bitter notes. Adding high-quality mezcal introduces a savory depth along with a layer of herbal complexity, enriching the overall flavor profile. A hint of salt enhances the smokiness from the roasted agave, elevating the drinking experience.

If I were to choose a spirit to gift everyone, it would undoubtedly be a quality mezcal. This unique beverage shines when enjoyed straight, boasting a briny, smoky, and oily consistency reminiscent of Scotch, yet it is also vibrantly herbal like the finest tequila. Once you savor its distinctive character, I would encourage you to craft this exceptional cocktail.

While a classic Paloma is always a great choice, this enhanced rendition featuring fresh grapefruit cordial is worth exploring. My current favorite application of agave spirits comes through in this frozen variation. It presents a lively tartness similar to a margarita without overwhelming sweetness. The fresh grapefruit juice showcases its delicate floral notes and harmonious bitterness. Mezcal truly elevates this drink, providing a subtle savory aftertaste and a layer of herbaceousness reminiscent of oregano steeped in high-quality olive oil. Although mezcal is often noted for its smokiness, in this drink, the smoky flavor is understated, allowing the refreshing elements to shine through. The delicate touch of salt ensures this muted smokiness remains present without detracting from the cocktail’s freshness.

In her wonderful cookbook, Small Victories, author Julia Turshen features a recipe for Paloma Slushies that sparked my fascination with this vibrant drink. Her approach blends fresh grapefruit and tequila, complemented by kosher salt, honey, and ice in a blender. Instead of extracting juice from the limes with a juicer, she suggests removing their peels and blending the whole fruit, which can heighten the yield of juice. However, this method induces a level of variability due to different lime sizes and juiciness, prompting me to prefer a more precise measurement to avoid discrepancies in flavor.

Additionally, I opted to substitute mezcal for tequila to add a unique twist. To further simplify the preparation, consider batching the ingredients ahead of time in a sealable container. Although I favor Mason jars, a freezer-safe zip-lock bag will also suffice if sealed properly. This pre-preparation not only minimizes last-minute stress during hosting but also allows the mixture to chill adequately. Aim for a chilling duration of at least two hours, with four to ten hours for optimal results. Thanks to the balance of alcohol and sugar, the mixture won’t freeze entirely, and when blended with ice, it maintains a refreshing frost for a longer period—perfect for enjoying on a hot day.

Now, if only I could treat you all to a swimming pool to accompany this delightful drink!

If You Enjoy Margaritas, You’ll Love This Frozen Delight

To create this tantalizing cocktail, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 ounces (120 ml) fresh juice from 1 to 2 whole pink grapefruits
• 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) fresh juice from 2 whole limes
• 1 ounce (30 ml) honey
• 4 ounces (120 ml) mezcal
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) kosher salt
• 2 cups ice (about 14 standard cubes)
• Lime wheel, sliced in half crosswise, for garnish (optional)

Preparation Steps:

1. Combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, honey, mezcal, and salt in a resealable container. Shake or stir to ensure the honey is thoroughly dissolved. Place the mixture in the freezer for a minimum of four hours, or up to ten hours.

2. When you’re ready to serve, transfer the mezcal mixture into a blender, add the ice, and blend until smooth. Pour the concoction into two glasses. If you wish, garnish with half a lime wheel before serving immediately.

Essential Equipment Needed

To prepare this refreshing cocktail, a blender is essential.

Further Reading

For more exciting cocktail recipes and insights, stay tuned!

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