Cilantro-Grapefruit Mezcal Spritz | Dolly and Oatmeal

we recently got into mezcal a few months ago. its smokiness is soothing in a way, and i'm starting to both understand and appreciate its complexity. that said, it requires a little something to take the edge off, and freshly squeezed grapefruit has been my go-to. we have a really great little family-run market by us, rick's produce (if you've ever been to sqirl, it's right across the street). they have year-round, farm fresh grapefruit that i buy solely for the purpose of making these cocktails.

frank is a cilantro enthusiast, so when i went to go make him a grapefruit mezcal, i thought muddling some cilantro in would be perfect for him. turns out, i loved it too. it adds a brightness that cools everything down a bit, and i'm a sucker for using herbs in drinks anyway, so it was ideal.

like most cocktails, it can be made a few different ways:

don't like mezcal? replace it with gin, vodka, or tequila.
don't love cilantro? replace it with basil, mint, shiso, or lemon thyme
don't have fresh grapefruit on hand? use unsweetened grapefruit juice
don't particularly like grapefruit? use another citrus, preferably lemon or lime

i find this to be a perfect little sipper for the height of these hot summer days. i hope you all enjoy it too!

xo!

cilantro-grapefruit mezcal spritz

you can streamline this recipe even more by making the cilantro-grapefruit juice ahead of time, just store it in a lidded jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

print the recipe!

| makes 2 servings |

1/2 cup packed cilantro
2 ounces grapefruit juice
1 teaspoon coconut nectar (or maple syrup/honey)
ice
2 ounces mezcal
soda water
cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
thinly sliced grapefruit, for garnish (optional)

method

to a cocktail shaker, add the cilantro, grapefruit juice, and coconut nectar (or sweetener of choice). muddle the cilantro for about 1 minute or so to release its' flavor, then let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes. pour the cilantro-grapefruit juice through a strainer, and reserve the juice; set aside.
place a few pieces of ice in 2 small cocktail glasses (i used spanish wine glasses), and add 1 ounce of mezcal to each glass. add 1 1/2 ounces cilantro-grapefruit juice, and 1-2 ounces soda water. garnish the glass with cilantro sprigs, and thinly sliced grapefruit wedges.
sip, and be merry!