Kumquat Palomas

Okay last time I posted a drink recipe I said I never invent cocktails… I guess that’s all changed in the last few months?! All of a sudden I’m getting experimental in the kitchen and I’m loving it. Maybe this drink already exists out there somewhere but I stumbled into it on Saturday with some kumquats and a vision, and I must say I’m seriously pleased with the result.

You’ll need a good amount of citrus — my pro tip is to buy the little bottles at Trader Joe’s (if you have one nearby) so you don’t waste whole jugs of grapefruit or orange juice. Or, squeeze it fresh!

The sugar rim (I know, sugar instead of salt) really balances out the pucker you get from all the citrus, while the bitters give the drink a bit of depth and interest. Honestly, I really love it.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

2 oz grapefruit juice
.5 oz orange juice
1/2 lime of fresh lime juice
.5 oz simple syrup
2 dashes of angostura bitters
2 oz tequila (I used Casamigos blanco tequila)
Fresh thyme and kumquat slices for garnish
Cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar for the rim

HOW TO DO IT

Rim a glass with a mixture of sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. Add everything to a shaker filled with ice and shake. Strain into a glass and serve neat with thyme and kumquat garnish.

Alternatively, turn this into a spritz by straining into a wine glass filled with ice, and topping with soda water!