If you adore cocktails that pack a punch of smoky depth, tangy brightness, and a touch of frothy elegance, then the Charred Grapefruit & Mezcal Paloma Sour Recipe is your new best friend. This cocktail flawlessly blends the smoky allure of mezcal with the vivid, tart juiciness of charred grapefruit, delivering a sophisticated twist on the classic paloma. Every sip balances a remarkable contrast of flavors making it truly unforgettable and perfect for warm evenings or impressing guests with something a little different but unmistakably delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a drink in a clear glass filled with white foam, garnished with a skewer holding two triangular slices of grilled pink grapefruit with slightly charred edges, placed horizontally across the glass opening. Around the glass on a white marbled surface, there are more grilled grapefruit slices and a white plate holding additional skewered grilled grapefruit pieces, slightly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this cocktail is both simple and rewarding. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the complex layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this drink so special and visually appealing.

Medium grapefruit: Essential for that bold, citrusy tang and smoky char when torched.
Mezcal Creyente Joven (1½ ounces): The soul of the drink with its distinctive smoky character.
Simple syrup (½ ounce): Adds just enough sweetness to balance tartness.
Club soda (1 ounce): Brings light effervescence and refreshment to the mix.
Egg white (1 small or medium, optional): Creates a beautiful frothy texture and smooth mouthfeel.
Angostura bitters (3 dashes): Adds complexity and subtle spice notes.

How to Make Charred Grapefruit & Mezcal Paloma Sour Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Char the Grapefruit

Start by cutting one half of the grapefruit into ½-inch slices and keeping the other half intact. Using a kitchen torch, carefully char the intact grapefruit half and the slices until the skins and surface develop a deep, smoky blush. This charring enhances the natural tang with a smoky, caramelized edge that will elevate the entire cocktail.

Step 2: Juice the Charred Grapefruit

Once charred, juice the whole grapefruit half into a small bowl to capture all that smoky, zesty liquid. Reserving those slices for garnish adds an extra visual and flavor punch later on.

Step 3: Shake It Up

Fill a cocktail shaker with about ⅓ cup of ice. Add the mezcal, 2 ounces of the freshly charred grapefruit juice, simple syrup, club soda, egg white if you’re using it, and three dashes of Angostura bitters. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds. This vigorous shake chills the drink while whipping the egg white into a luscious froth, giving the cocktail a velvety texture.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Strain the mixture into your favorite cocktail glass—no need for ice here as the drink is perfectly chilled. The frothy head should gracefully settle atop the pink-hued liquid.

Step 5: Garnish with Charred Grapefruit

Finish with a wedge or slice of the charred grapefruit on the rim. This garnish isn’t just decorative; it offers a fragrant citrus oil aroma with every sip that enhances the multifaceted flavor of the drink.

How to Serve Charred Grapefruit & Mezcal Paloma Sour Recipe

Three short clear glasses are lined up on a white marbled surface. Each glass holds a drink with two layers: the bottom layer is a light beige liquid, smooth and slightly translucent, topped by a thick white foam layer that sits evenly at the rim. Each drink is garnished with a small skewer holding a thin slice of pink and orange dried fruit, placed horizontally across the foam. The background is clean and white, giving a bright and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The star garnish is definitely the charred grapefruit slice, but feel free to get creative with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a twist of grapefruit peel for extra zest and aroma. This encourages guests to engage with the cocktail visually and aromatically before the first sip.

Side Dishes

This cocktail pairs wonderfully with salty snacks like tortilla chips and guacamole, fresh ceviche, or smoky grilled shrimp. The smoky notes in the mezcal and charred grapefruit complement foods with herbal or citrus accents, making it a fabulous choice for lively gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra wow factor, serve your Charred Grapefruit & Mezcal Paloma Sour Recipe in a chilled coupe glass, or rim the glass lightly with smoked sea salt. Adding a small edible flower or a thin grapefruit spiral rested on the froth offers a touch of elegance and invites curiosity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While cocktails are best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftover unshaken mix without egg white in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir or shake before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing this cocktail is not recommended, as it will alter the delicate balance of flavors and completely change the texture, especially with the egg white froth.

Reheating

Reheating cocktails generally defeats their purpose; this cocktail is designed to be enjoyed chilled and frothy, so it’s best to prepare it fresh each time.

FAQs

Can I omit the egg white?

Absolutely! The egg white adds a silky, frothy texture but is optional. Your cocktail will still have plenty of flavor and character without it.

What type of mezcal works best?

Choose a young (joven) mezcal like Mezcal Creyente Joven, which is unaged and vibrant, allowing the smoky notes to shine without overpowering the grapefruit.

How do I safely char grapefruit at home?

Use a kitchen torch and keep the flame moving steadily over the skin until it blackens slightly. Be cautious and do this in a well-ventilated area to avoid smoke buildup.

Can I make this cocktail non-alcoholic?

Yes! Replace the mezcal with a smoky tea infusion or smoked simple syrup, and maintain the charred grapefruit and other ingredients to keep the flavor profile interesting without the alcohol.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

You can try charring the grapefruit slices briefly under a broiler or on a hot grill pan, but a torch gives the most controlled and even char essential for the cocktail’s signature flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Charred Grapefruit & Mezcal Paloma Sour Recipe is a remarkable cocktail that offers something beyond the ordinary. With its smoky, tart, and frothy goodness, it invites you to experience a classic in a brand new light. It’s guaranteed to impress whether you’re shaking it up for friends or treating yourself to a stunning sip at the end of a long day. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cocktail companion.