Smoked Rosemary: the Tequila and Seltzer Cocktail

Rosemary is a marvellous herb for both cooking and baking. It also happens to be a wonderfully aromatic addition to many cocktails, especially this one.

This particular serve is crafted with smoked rosemary, a rising trend that has gained traction in recent years. The flavour of smoked rosemary is notably more layered and nuanced than that of its fresh counterpart, carrying a subtle spiciness that makes it ideally suited to mixology.

It also pairs beautifully with the tequila featured in this recipe, enhancing the character of the spirit while contributing a distinctive herbal note of its own. Far from being just another garnish, rosemary here acts as a core flavour enhancer, helping to bring out the very best in the drink’s other ingredients.

Ingredients for Rosemary-Infused Tequila Cocktail

Crafting this rosemary and tequila blend is a straightforward process that takes just a few steps. To prepare it, you’ll need the following:

• 2 parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila 
• 1 part of tonic syrup
• ½ part of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 parts of sparkling water
• Fresh sprigs of rosemary

How to Make This Tequila and Sparkling Rosemary Cocktail

Begin by preparing the smoked rosemary, which lends this cocktail its signature aromatic complexity. On a fire-safe surface, carefully torch a fresh sprig of rosemary using a kitchen blowtorch until it begins to smoulder and release its fragrant oils. Immediately place a double rocks glass upside down over the rosemary to trap the smoke inside the glass. 

Leave it covered while you prepare the rest of the drink, allowing the smokiness to subtly infuse the glass. Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in 2 parts of Altos Tequila Plata, 1 part of tonic syrup, and ½ part of freshly squeezed lime juice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for around 10–15 seconds, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly chilled and well combined.

Remove the inverted glass from the smoked rosemary and fill it with fresh ice. The inside of the glass will now be delicately scented with the rosemary smoke, creating an aromatic backdrop for the cocktail. Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass over the ice. Then, top up the drink with 3 parts of chilled sparkling water (or seltzer), pouring gently to preserve its natural effervescence. 

The bubbles add lift and brightness to the cocktail, balancing the deeper notes from the smoked herb and tequila. To finish, garnish with an additional fresh sprig of rosemary for visual appeal and a final aromatic flourish. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing, herbaceous twist on a modern tequila seltzer.

Tequila and Sparkling Water: Why Not Use Soda Water?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, soda water and seltzer aren’t quite the same —and understanding the distinction can make a noticeable difference in your cocktail.

Soda water typically contains added minerals, and in some cases, even traces of baking soda, which can slightly alter its flavour and mouthfeel. This is why it’s sometimes referred to as “club soda” in the UK and other parts of the world. While these additions can add a certain salinity or softness, they may also interfere with the clean, crisp profile of a well-crafted cocktail.

Seltzer water, on the other hand, is simply water infused with carbon dioxide —pure and straightforward. It doesn’t contain any added minerals, flavourings or sodium bicarbonate. The result is a more neutral taste with a lively effervescence that allows the other ingredients in your drink to shine without distraction.

In short, seltzer is ideal for cocktails where clarity and freshness are key. Its enhanced bubbliness makes your drink feel lighter and more refreshing, allowing the tequila’s complexity and any delicate infusions, like rosemary, to take centre stage.

Tips for Enjoying the Paloma with Sparkling Water and Tequila

If you’re unsure whether rosemary is your kind of flavour, this recipe is an excellent introduction: it allows you to sample its aromatic character without having to commit to smoking an entire batch of rosemary sprigs.

Always opt for tequila plata (also known as blanco). You’ll want the cleanest flavour possible, so it’s best to avoid aged tequilas such as dorado or añejo. The oaky notes present in matured tequilas can conflict with the subtle smokiness of the rosemary, throwing off the balance of the drink.

Be mindful when torching the rosemary. Over-burning it will kill the flavour and introduce an unpleasant bitterness. The goal is a gentle smoke, just enough to accentuate the herbaceous character of the cocktail without overwhelming it.

For a refreshing twist, consider adding a slice of orange to enhance the citrus element. The sweet and zesty notes pair beautifully with the herbal and smoky components of the drink.

Other Altos Cocktails to Enjoy

If you’re in search of something new to sip this summer, we’ve got a few recommendations. Our tequila-based cocktails are not only among the most popular, but also one of the most enjoyable ways to savour an authentic tequila experience. Here are just a few of Altos’ signature creations you can prepare effortlessly at home this season:

• The Skinny Margarita (Low-Calorie)
• The Spicy Chili Margarita
• The Prickly Pear Margarita
• The Classic Spicy Margarita Cocktail

Each offers its own unique take on tequila, ensuring something to suit every palate and occasion.

Olmeca Altos Plata: The Ideal Base for a Smoked Rosemary Cocktail

If you’re looking to introduce flavour and texture into your cocktail without piling on the sugar, Olmeca Altos Plata is a superb choice. Crafted from 100% blue agave, this silver tequila delivers a purer, more pronounced agave character—perfect for cocktails where freshness and complexity are key.

Olmeca Altos is an award-winning, high-proof tequila that owes its name to the 2,100-metre peak overlooking the distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. Renowned for its crisp herbal and citrus notes, it brings both brightness and depth to smoked rosemary cocktails, allowing the botanical and earthy tones to truly flourish.

Whether you’re experimenting with smoked herbs for the first time or simply seeking a refined way to elevate your tequila cocktails, the combination of rosemary, citrus and Olmeca Altos tequila offers a truly memorable experience. 

Light, herbaceous and refreshingly modern, this twist on the classic Paloma is the perfect companion for summer evenings, laid-back gatherings or whenever you fancy something a little out of the ordinary. Let each sip transport you to the highlands of Jalisco, where craftsmanship and flavour come together in perfect harmony.