While margaritas will always have a special place in our hearts, palomas are right up there with them. A solid choice for the spring and summer seasons, the paloma cocktail shares many of the same ingredients, but yields a subtler sweetness as tangy pink grapefruit takes center stage alongside tequila blanco.

Today's recipe kicks things up a notch with a touch of smoke and herbs from the addition of mezcal and fresh lavender syrup (quite simple to make at home with dried lavender buds, sugar and water). The result is fresh, citrusy and every-so-slightly floral.

Enjoy it in a Hybrid Cocktail Glass on the patio when the sun is shining and the birds are singing. It's happiness in a glass, or at least a step in the right direction.

(Originally published 5/10/24)