Paloma Old Fashioned

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Written By John Berens

I love seeing a cocktail converted into a different style of drink. It’s a fun challenge but also can showcase the original in a new light. As the name suggests, this one converts the classic agave-based highball into an OF-style drink. The grapefruit flavor comes from a delicious grapefruit liqueur, and the lime/citrus presence comes from the bitters. The base spirit is a bit of personal preference (mezcal and/or tequila), just like with the classic. I chose a lovely mezcal that is on the lighter/cleaner side and split it with a bit of reposado for depth and a hint of vanilla/oak.

The drink is light, refreshing, and reads like as a deconstructed version of the original. I won’t say I prefer it more (the Paloma is one of my favorite agave drinks), but it’s a fun sipper and a great way to enjoy a good bottle of mezcal.

If there are any classic recipes you want to see reimagined, please contact me!!

Recipe

  • 1.5oz mezcal joven

  • 0.5oz reposado tequila

  • >0.5oz grapefruit liqueur

  • 2 dashes lime bitters

Stir, strain, garnish with fresh grapefruit slice. Cheers!!

Brands I used (* means gifted):
Mezcal*: @mezcalverde
Reposado: @espolontequila
Grapefruit: @paulastexasspirits
Bitters*: @scrappysbitters
Ice*: @iceblox_ri
Grapefruit*: @uscitrus

John Berens
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