The Party Cat: A Mezcal, Grapefruit, and Cardamom Cocktail

The Party Cat is a cocktail that captures those small, joyful moments—the ones where you don’t need a grand occasion, just a reason to unwind and enjoy. It’s Friday night, maybe you’ve had a long week, and this drink is your way to toast to the weekend ahead. It’s light, a little playful, and just festive enough to hint at the holidays, without diving in too deep.

At its core is Mala Mia Mezcal, with its smoky, earthy character that anchors the drink. It pairs beautifully with the bright, tart grapefruit juice, giving a nod to the classic Paloma but with a twist. A splash of simple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness, and the cardamom bitters introduce a subtle warmth and spice, making it feel perfectly suited to the cooler, early fall evenings.

The sparkling wine gives it a celebratory lift—effervescent and refreshing, it takes this cocktail to a new level of fun without being too much. You’re not throwing a big party (unless you are!), but you’re still marking the moment with something special.

Served in a chilled glass, the Party Cat is topped off with a spritz of bubbles. Garnishes are option, you can experiment with a twist of grapefruit or a few cardamom pods. It’s an easygoing, yet festive cocktail for when you want something light but layered, and just festive enough to celebrate the simple fact that the weekend has arrived.

This recipe originally comes from Chris Keil of Hilltop Kitchen in Tacoma, WA.