May 22^nd is the day to celebrate the Paloma – A traditional Mexican cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit soda.  This cocktail is refreshing, light, bubbly, and perfect for the summertime.  Below are two different recipes for a Paloma.  The first recipe is a more traditional Paloma made with tequila and grapefruit soda. The second recipe substitutes mezcal for tequila, and fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and club soda for the grapefruit soda. It also adds an element of heat with the chile piquin rimmed glass.  Enjoy both of these summer cocktails!

The Paloma

Ingredients:

• 1.5 or 2 oz. 100-percent Agave tequila, blanco or reposado
• 2-3 oz. Grapefruit soda
• Half a Lime
• Salt
• Glass: Tall

Directions:  Rim your glass with lime and dip in kosher salt.  Squeeze the lime and drop it into your glass, add the tequila, and fill the glass with ice.  Stir well and top off with grapefruit soda. Voila!

The Vida Paloma

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Del Maguey Vida mezcal
• 3 oz. Fresh grapefruit juice
• 1⁄4 oz. Fresh lime juice
• 1⁄2 oz. Simple syrup
• 2 oz. Club soda
• Cilantro sprig
• Grapefruit wheel
• Jalapeño round

Directions: Rim your rocks glass with chile piquin and set aside.  In a shaker, add ice, mezcal, juices, and syrup.  Shake well and strain into prepared glass filled with ice.  Top off with club soda.  Then garnish with a grapefruit wheel, cilantro sprig and jalapeño round and enjoy!

Cheers,

Danyelle