Summer is the time for cocktails – hot days spent by the pool require a delicious, refreshing drink to be on hand at all times (at least we think so!). We collaborated with Aurora Elixirs and the Tillery Restaurant & Bar at Owings Mills Marriott to create a delicious Smoked Rosemary Paloma. With an infusion of honey grapefruit syrup and Aurora’s bubbly Rosemary Grapefruit Hemp Beverage, it’s a delicious cocktail that you’ll enjoy all Summer long.
After we talked to Aurora Elixir’s Victoria about collaborating on a special drink, we knew we were in for a treat when a box showed up at our store. It was filled with a variety of delicious Sparkling Hemp Beverages that her company specializes in – and they just so happen to go perfectly with honey! We took a look through the flavors that she sent us before going down the street to the Tillery to see what our friends there could craft up.
Val at the Tillery was the mastermind behind this cocktail – she was especially interested in the Rosemary Grapefruit Sparkling Beverage. Then, she had the ingenious idea to create a grapefruit syrup with our Tupelo Honey to sweeten the drink. In Val’s words, “it was the most divine honey I’ve ever tasted!” – so we know it’s a game-changer for mixology!
A paloma is perfect for the Summer. Bright, refreshing, and bubbly – what more could you want for a poolside drink? Traditionally made with sparkling water and citrus juice, Val amped this version up with resinous smoked rosemary. It’s complex but light, and best when shared with friends.
Play Mixologist
Val had complete creative freedom with this cocktail – and you should too! Try swapping out the grapefruit juice for blood orange juice, or use your favorite tequila instead of mezcal. Here’s some recommendations:
- Try another flavor of Aurora Elixir’s beverages
- Salt the rim of the glass before filling
- Use another variety of honey in the simple syrup
Smoked Rosemary Paloma with Honey
Ingredients
Honey Grapefruit Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water boiling
- 1/2 cup grapefruit juice
- 1/2 cup honey
Smoked Rosemary Paloma
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz honey grapefruit simple syrup cooled
- .5 oz lime juice fresh squeezed
- 1 bottle Aurora Rosemary Grapefruit Elixir
- 1 sprig rosemary fresh
Instructions
Honey Grapefruit Simple Syrup
- Bring one cup of water to a boil and turn off the heat. Add 1/2 cup each grapefruit juice and honey and blend until the honey is dissolved.
Smoked Rosemary Paloma
- Combine the mezcal, simple syrup, and lime juice into a cocktial shaker filled with ice, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled highball glass and top with Aurora Rosemary Grapefruit Elixir.
- Using a kitchen torch, quickly ignite a branch of rosemary and add to the glass, allowing it to smoke over the drink. Do not allow to continue to burn.
- Finish with a slice of citrus and enjoy!