Name: California-Style Cazuela Voladora Mexican Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: California
Ingredients: 6 Mexican key limes or 2 large limes, sliced; 2 large oranges, sliced; 1 (4-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into thick slices on the bias; 1 large pomegranate, arils removed; 1 grapefruit cut into quarters, then sliced; 1 (750 ml) bottle chilled California Sauvignon Blanc wine; 2 (12-ounce) chilled cans grapefruit soda such as, Squirt; 1 cup freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; Ice

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If you love Palomas, then don’t go another minute without trying this Cazuela Voladora cocktail made “California-style” with chilled white wine instead of tequila plus juicy pomegranate and fresh ginger. Perfect for any party or to celebrate California Wine Month!

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This post is written in collaboration with California Grown. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A clay pot filled with a cocktail with lots of cut up fruit in it and two cocktail glasses next to it.

September is California Wine Month and there’s so much to celebrate.

If you live locally in California or plan on visiting during the month of September, I invite you to visit a winery during harvest, do a tasting, join in on many of the farm-to-table dinners, and so many other fun events happening across the state this month. Check out this interactive map for a full list of activities.

Not in California? You can still raise a glass to the gorgeous wines of the state by purchasing a bottle of California wine wherever you live. I’m giving you full permission to perhaps seek out something new you’ve never tried before and pair it with an iconic California recipe from this free e-book!

Another idea? Grab a bottle of your favorite California Sauvignon Blanc and make this super refreshing cazuela cocktail. Or another wine cocktail!

Over the years I’ve made Campari white wine spritzers, classic sangria, California Kir Royale cocktails, hibiscus mimosas, fall harvest sangria, elderflower mimosas, and Chambord sangria. To be honest though, I’m kind of in love with this new Cazuela Voladora wine cocktail that is light and refreshing without being overly sweet. And did I mention absolutely perfect for a party?

What Is A Cazuela Voladora?

Cazuela Voladora (kah-soo-EH-lah boh-lah-DOH-rah) is a Mexican cocktail very similar to a Paloma but made in a big batch in a cazuela de barro or shallow clay pot. It literally means “flying pot” which is basically another way of saying it’s meant to be shared or maybe to indicate it’s so good it flies off the shelf.

In Mexico it is made with tequila and lots of citrus juice (lime, orange, lemon, grapefruit), a generous pinch of salt, and grapefruit soda (either Squirt or Jarritos). The remaining fruit gets sliced and added to the punch bowl and then the whole beautiful concoction is enjoyed over lots of ice.

This California version takes a lighter twist and uses a sharp Sauvignon Blanc instead of the tequila plus adds pomegranate and thick slices of fresh ginger.

Two cocktail glasses filled with a cazuela cocktail and garnished with oranges and grapefruit slices.

Tell me About This Cazuela Voladora

Alcohol level: a great low-alcohol drink perfect for daytime or afternoon parties.
Flavor: super refreshing with tons of citrus, pomegranate and ginger
Ease: couldn’t be easier, just mix and ready!
Time: seriously takes 5 minutes, plus you can mix it ahead of time and refrigerate for up to a day before serving.

This cazuela voladora is traditionally served in a cazuela, hence the name. I found mine at my local Latin market but you can obviously get them online. If you don’t have one or want to use something else, you can mix this up in a pitcher like my sparkling blood orange margarita or in a punch bowl.

Which California Wine Is Best?

After a few rounds of recipe testing I settled on a California Sauvignon Blanc as my favorite but here are some other options that were close runners up:

Albariño: This Spanish grape variety produces wines with bright acidity, citrus and stone fruit flavors, and a touch of minerality. It’s a great alternative for this wine cocktail, especially if you enjoy the zesty, refreshing qualities. Look for Albariño from California’s Central Coast.
Vermentino: An Italian grape, Vermentino offers crisp acidity, notes of citrus, green apple, and herbs, along with a subtle saline character. It’s a versatile wine that pairs well with the fruit. Seek out Vermentino from California’s North Coast or Sierra Foothills
Grüner Veltliner: This Austrian grape is gaining popularity in California. It boasts vibrant acidity, flavors of white pepper, citrus, and stone fruit, and a distinctive herbal note. Grüner Veltliner is a natural with the acidity of this drink. Explore Grüner Veltliner from California’s Central Coast or Lodi.
Chenin Blanc: While Chenin Blanc can range from dry to sweet, the dry styles from California often showcase bright acidity, notes of green apple, pear, and honeysuckle, and a touch of minerality. Look for Chenin Blanc from California’s Clarksburg or Lodi regions.

A person squeezing grapefruit juice into a glass measuring cup sitting on a cutting board.

Slices of oranges, ginger, and limes on a cutting board next to a measuring cup with grapefruit juice in it.

Overview: How To Make This Cazuela Voladora

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and instructions.

Slice the fruit and squeeze the grapefruit juice.
Mix everything together in the cazuela. If you are making this in advance, don’t add the Squirt or the ice until you are ready to serve.
Enjoy! Serve in cocktail glasses over ice or make a pretty ice ring like I did for this mezcal punch.

A clay pot filled with pomegranate seeds, sliced oranges and slice ginger.

A person pouring wine over fruit in a clay pot .

A cazuela filled with a cazuela voladora cocktail with two glasses sitting next to them.

What To Serve With It:

This is such a great party drink and goes well with appetizers as well as brunch, lunch, or a fancy dinner party. Here are a few of my favorites: