Smoky Rosemary Paloma: A Tequila Cocktail with a Winter Twist

The Paloma is one of the great unsung cocktails — simpler than a margarita, more refreshing than almost anything else, and endlessly forgiving. This version keeps the grapefruit and tequila backbone but adds a rosemary-smoked glass and a touch of mezcal, which gives it a depth that makes it feel right in November as much as July.

To smoke the glass, hold a sprig of rosemary over a flame — a kitchen torch works, or a long match — until it begins to smolder. Invert your glass over the smoke and let it sit for about thirty seconds. The oils from the rosemary will cling to the inside of the glass and perfume every sip. It is a small step that makes a big impression.

Building the Drink

In a shaker filled with ice, combine one and a half ounces of blanco tequila, half an ounce of mezcal, two ounces of fresh grapefruit juice, half an ounce of lime juice, and half an ounce of simple syrup. Shake hard for about twelve seconds, until the shaker frosts. Strain into your smoked glass over fresh ice.

Top with an ounce or two of grapefruit soda — a good one, not a diet version — and stir gently. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a fresh rosemary sprig. The rosemary in the glass releases more aroma as you drink, which is part of the pleasure.

Adjusting the Drink to Your Taste and Your Season

If you prefer a less smoky drink, skip the mezcal and use two ounces of tequila. If you want it sweeter, add another quarter ounce of simple syrup. If you want it more bitter, use a bitter grapefruit soda or add a dash of grapefruit bitters.

In summer, serve this over crushed ice in a tall glass with a salt rim. In winter, serve it in a rocks glass with a single large cube and skip the salt. The smoked rosemary works in both directions, which is why this drink has become a year-round staple in my house.

For a mocktail version, replace the tequila and mezcal with a strong brewed grapefruit-and-rosemary tea, chilled. It will not taste the same, but it will taste good — and the smoked glass trick works just as well on a zero-proof drink.