Recipe: Smoked Grapefruit Paloma
The Paloma is one of my favorite cocktails. As a former non-fan of grapefruit juice, I thought for sure that this cocktail would be unpalatable.
About 10 years ago though, on a trip to Cancun, Mexico, the Paloma stole my heart; at least when it comes to cocktails. The resort that we stayed in served their version of the Paloma which was a great entryway into the full-on Paloma with the grown-up citrus flavors of the real grapefruit juice.
The resort mixed theirs with Squirt soda. In case you are unfamiliar with Squirt, here's how Wikipedia describes it:
"Squirt is a caffeine-free, grapefruit-flavored, carbonated soft drink, created in 1938 in Phoenix, Arizona.[1][2] Squirt competes primarily against The Coca-Cola Company's Fresca."
And, fun facts also taken from Wikipedia:
"Squirt was created by Herb Bishop in 1938.[3] Squirt was manufactured in the Beet Sugar Factory in Glendale, Arizona until 1981.[4][5]
In 1941, a little boy mascot known as "Lil' Squirt" was created for marketing the product.[6] Squirt became a popular soft drink in many parts of the country, especially the West and Southwest. In the 1950s, it became commonly used as a mixer in cocktails."
The Paloma - what is it?
In case you aren't a Spanish speaker, Paloma translates to "Dove". I didn't know that until just now either, and I speak a little Spanish myself. Hopefully that is a Jeopardy or Trivia Night question we help you win. :)
Anyhow, the Paloma can be as simple as a two-ingredient Tequila and Grapefruit soda cocktail or it can be a little more complex like the one that we are sharing with you here.
Smoked Paloma Recipe
Here are the ingredients you'll want to gather before you get started including a rocks glass, your cocktail or culinary smoker and cloche or smoking dome/lid, and a fire source
- 2 oz Blanco tequila
- 2 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz Agave syrup (or simple syrup)
- Club soda, to top
- Pink grapefruit wedge & smoked salt rim, for garnish
- Grapefruit slice and/or a skosh of Fumeworks wood chips to enhance the flavor and add a little interactive fun to your experience
Once you've got all your things together, it's time to get started.
- Rim a rocks glass with smoked salt and fill with ice. (for extra flavor, use your grapefruit or lime slice to wet the rim before you rim the glass with either smoked salt or Tajin)
- In a shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup. Shake well with ice.
- Strain into the prepared glass and top with a splash of club soda.
- Use a smoking gun with grapefruit or a skosh of Fumeworks wood chips to smoke the drink under a dome. Let sit for about 30 seconds.
- Garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge.
Tip: For deeper flavor, torch a slice of grapefruit before juicing to add caramelized citrus notes to the mix.
Enjoy!
Tell us what you think if you've tried it! And, if you want to place an order for Fumeworks small batch wood chips, send us a note! We look forward to hearing from you!
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