Cinco de Mayo is this Sunday, and while you don’t really need an official holiday to enjoy this cocktail, my tamarind mezcal Paloma should be number one on your party menu. It’s sweet, sour, smoky, and ridiculously refreshing. If you’ve never had mezcal, it’s tequila’s sultry cousin, made with smoked agave giving the spirit a smoky, earthy flavor. Mix in some sweet and sour tamarind, and tamarind Jarritos (a Mexican soda) for extra sweetness and some fizz, it’s the perfect drink to have on a warm sunny day. And every weekend until the end of summer for that matter.

Tamarind Mezcal Paloma

Ingredients:

2 oz mezcal (I used a silver mezcal for this, but any kind will work)

2 tsp lime juice

1 tsp tamarind concentrate

6 oz tamarind Jarritos (available at your local Mexican grocery)

ice

In a high ball glass, add mezcal, lime juice, and tamarind concentrate. Stir to combine. Fill glass 3/4 of the way up with ice, pour tamarind Jarritos over the top, and stir gently to incorporate. Garnish with a slice of lime.