Smoky Paloma: Hot Tea and Tequila
You must infuse the tea with the grapefruit peels and sugar. Then combine it with the remaining ingredients and serve.
It bears the name “Smoky” due to its use of Lapsang Suchong tea, a black tea hailing from China that imparts a smoky character to the beverage. This tea finds frequent application in mixology as well as culinary arts, enabling one to impart smoky notes to dishes without resorting to artificial techniques.
The Smoky Paloma is certainly not a swift cocktail to prepare by any stretch, as one must first infuse the tea before incorporating it into the cocktail. Nevertheless, amongst all the Palomas, this particular variation boasts one of the most distinctive flavours.
Method for Preparing the Smoky Paloma
First and foremost, we must mention that this represents our own interpretation of the Smoked Paloma, originally crafted by Trash Tiki. We trust you shall find it most enjoyable.
How to Infuse the Cocktail Tea
You shall require these ingredients:
- 250g Grapefruit Peels
- 10g Lapsang Suchong Tea Leaves
- 1kg Sugar
- 250ml Water
To prepare the mixture of Lapsang Oleo tea, sugar, and grapefruit, begin by peeling the grapefruits and setting aside the peels. Next, juice the remaining grapefruit for the cocktail. Combine the sugar and tea leaves thoroughly before mixing them into the grapefruit peels and allow this mixture to infuse overnight for a full 24 hours.
Following this, steep the tea leaves in water for precisely one minute. Pour the water into the grapefruit mixture and dissolve the sugar completely. Strain out the grapefruit peels entirely to finally, bottle the mixture and refrigerate. The shelf life extends to 10 days.
Final Steps to Create the Smoky Paloma Cocktail
Finally, to craft this tequila cocktail with infused tea, our interpretation of the Smoky Paloma recipe requires only:
- 50ml / 2 parts Olmeca Altos Reposado
- 15ml / 1/2 part Lapsang Oleo
- 15ml / 1/2 part Grapefruit Juice
- Top with Soda Water
Simply combine all ingredients in a shaker, shake vigorously, and serve in a tumbler glass.
Ideal Accompaniments for the Smoky Paloma
The complex smoky character of this exceptional cocktail pairs beautifully with a variety of sophisticated fare. Consider serving alongside grilled seafood, particularly salmon or prawns, where the tea’s earthy undertones complement the char from the grill. Rich, aged cheeses such as mature cheddar or smoked gouda create a harmonious balance with the cocktail’s distinctive profile.
For those preferring lighter accompaniments, artisanal charcuterie featuring smoky meats or Mediterranean-inspired tapas with roasted vegetables shall enhance the drink’s nuanced flavours. The cocktail also pairs remarkably well with dark chocolate desserts, where the smoky notes create an intriguing contrast with the cocoa’s richness.
Our Paloma Variations
Why not delve into the mysterious depths of the Smoky Paloma, an uncommon variation on the cherished cocktail? Additionally, we shall reveal the secrets to perfecting the classic Paloma and its spirited counterpart. Watch the video and learn all the details to make these delicious drinks. If you want to become a Paloma Cocktail expert, check out our article about nutritional information and surprise your friends!
In principle, other teas possessing a smoky character similar to Lapsang Souchong may be employed to craft the Smoky Paloma, though the flavour profile may differ considerably. Lapsang Souchong is renowned for its robust, distinctive smoky essence, making it rather challenging to locate a tea that matches it entirely.
We can assure you that endeavouring to procure some of this tea to prepare our interpretation of the Smoked Paloma represents an excellent decision. If you’re still hungry for more, check out our best cocktail recipes for more practice.
Olmeca Altos and Lapsang Souchong: The Exceptional Cocktail
This represents a distinctive Paloma; it requires considerable time to prepare and demands specific ingredients. One simply cannot create a cocktail of this calibre with any ordinary tequila. The beverage demands to be paired with a spirit of equivalent quality—a premium tequila such as Olmeca Altos Tequila family, produced in Jalisco, Mexico, from 100% Blue Agave. You shan’t regret the choice.
The Smoky Paloma stands as a testament to the artistry of modern mixology, where traditional boundaries are elegantly transcended through innovative techniques. This sophisticated libation requires patience and precision, yet rewards the discerning drinker with an utterly unique sensory experience.
The marriage of premium tequila with the distinctive smoky notes of Lapsang Souchong creates a cocktail that is both familiar and refreshingly unexpected. For those seeking to elevate their cocktail repertoire beyond the ordinary, this remarkable creation offers an extraordinary journey into the realm of craft mixology that shall linger long in the memory.
