I arrived in the West Village in New York City after celebrating son James's 21st birthday. It was hot and so I wanted a refreshing cocktail, with fresh juices of lime and grapefruit, seltzer and mezcal, a variation on the great cocktail combining tequila and grapefruit soda. (Because I needed so little, I juiced by hand, but there's a good site on the whys and wherefores and how-to's of juicing called Sprint Kitchen, if you're into juicing!). Here I am on my fire escape, a lovely NYC haven where I will stay till I'm safe to return to Rhode Island.
I was heartened to see almost everyone wearing masks. It now is clear that masks are a genuine deterrent to spreading the Covid virus (see Florida), and I was also glad to see spaced tables at two favorite restaurants on West 12th Street, the Beatrice Inn and Cafe Cluny with full outdoor tables (as I got a killer burger from @angiekmar, chef-owner of Beatrice, perfectly cooked), but I was a little dismayed walking along Hudson Street which felt like a street party, with tables too close together and no one at tables wore masks (as if being at a table put an anti-Covid forcefield around you). Be smart, people.
The Paloma is a steller summer cocktail, and a snap to make if you have grapefruit soda and tequila on hand. I had neither. But the drink let's you know that tequila and grapefruit go well together. I had some excellent mezcal, aged in oak, and grapefruit and some lime Le Croix to make a refreshing variation. As shown in the below video by @katguanche, with a reading of a Mary Oliver poem.
I should note that I misspeak when I imply that mezcal is tequila. Tequila is made from the silver agave only, whereas mezcal is made from various agave plants. I meant to say that mezcal or tequila is good to use, and they differ widely. Also, to clarify, the way I phrased the statement about being married in the park behind me suggested it was Mary Oliver and I who married (she died in 2019)--in fact I married Ann Hood there! Happy Friday Cocktail Hour! (Wear a mask!). And happy independence day everyone! Let's keep our Democracy strong!
The Paloma (a variation)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces mezcal
- 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
- 2 ounces seltzer water (or to taste)
- 1 wedge lime
- 1 Mary Oliver poem optional but recommended.
Instructions
- Combine the liquids. Add ice and a squeeze of lime. Read Mary Oliver if desired.
Happy Friday, and thank you for posting!
I've seen a grapefruit and club soda Paloma with traditional tequila on Bon Appetit. Using real fruit seems like an upgrade over grapefruit soda to me!
Tried this Paloma Oaxaqueño, and it was wonderful!
There is also the Paloma Point, for a very different take on this theme. Maggie Hoffman posted a recipe:
¾ ounce sweet vermouth
¾ ounce Campari
½ ounce mezcal
1 ounce grapefruit juice
1 dash orange bitters
2 ounces club soda
interesting recipe!
Does Kat tag along?, you’re lucky to have her, Cheers. Keep cool & happy 4th
alas no, did this one remotely from florida, where she's staying safe I hope!
Deep thanks for this experiential tour de force! Taste, place, sound and presence!
Hi Michael, I adored your article , thank you so much for sharing great post . Very nice...