Happy Friday, gang! We don’t know about you, but we’re starting to feel it — that little shift in the air where winter starts loosening its grip just enough to make you crave something bright and fresh. The days are getting a tiny bit longer, the light is changing, and suddenly all we want is citrus and herbs and something crispy out of the oven. Enter this week’s pairing: a Grapefruit Paloma that’s bright, refreshing, and dangerously easy to drink, alongside Crispy Smashed Potatoes loaded with garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan. It’s the kind of Friday night that feels like spring is whispering — even if the calendar hasn’t quite caught up yet.
What You’ll Find in Today’s Post
- Grapefruit Paloma 🍊
- FAQS – Grapefruit Paloma
- Grapefruit Paloma Recipe Card
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs 🌿
- FAQS – Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe Card
- Oscar & Ollie 🐾
- More Weekend Inspiration on The Blog
- Almost-Spring Outfits
- Cheers to Almost-Spring!
Grapefruit Paloma 🍊
The Paloma might just be the most underrated tequila cocktail out there — and honestly, we think it deserves more love. This version is bright, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing, with Espolòn blanco tequila, grapefruit juice, a touch of agave, and Topo Chico for that perfect fizz. A salt rim gives it that classic Paloma bite, and though it’s optional, a rosemary sprig adds an unexpected herbal note. It comes together in minutes and tastes like the first warm day of the year — even if you’re still wearing a sweater.
✨Beth’s Tip: If you have the time, squeeze your own grapefruit juice — it makes a real difference. The flavor is brighter and more balanced than store-bought. One large grapefruit should give you about 4 ounces of juice, which is exactly what you need for two cocktails. Plus, you’ll have the perfect wedge for garnishing right there.
FAQS – Grapefruit Paloma
While margaritas are built around lime juice and triple sec, a Paloma is all about grapefruit — it’s lighter, more refreshing, and has that beautiful bitter-sweet citrus thing going on. Think of it as the margarita’s effortlessly cool cousin.
Topo Chico is a Mexican sparkling mineral water with great carbonation — it’s the classic choice for Palomas. If you can’t find it, any good sparkling water or club soda will work. The bubbles are what matter.
You can! Reposado will give you a slightly warmer, oakier flavor. We prefer blanco here because it keeps things bright and lets the grapefruit shine, but reposado is a perfectly delicious swap.
Yes! Multiply everything except the Topo Chico, mix in a pitcher, and refrigerate. Add the Topo Chico to individual glasses when serving so it stays fizzy.
Grapefruit Paloma Recipe Card
Grapefruit Paloma
Ingredients:
- 4 oz Espolòn blanco tequila
- 4 oz grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz agave nectar
- Topo Chico to top
- Coarse salt for rimming
- Grapefruit wedge for rimming
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Ice
Instructions:
- Run a grapefruit wedge around the rim of two highball glasses. Dip rims in coarse salt.
- Fill glasses with ice.
- Divide tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave between the two glasses. Stir gently to combine.
- Top each with Topo Chico.
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig and serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs 🌿
If you’ve never made smashed potatoes, prepare to become obsessed. They’re boiled until tender, smashed flat, drizzled with olive oil, and roasted until they get those beautiful, crispy, golden edges with a creamy center that’s just — chef’s kiss. We load ours up with fresh minced garlic, a mix of herbs, a shower of Parmesan, and a scattering of chives. They’re the kind of side dish that disappears from the pan before dinner’s even on the table. Fair warning: you will eat these standing up in the kitchen. It’s just what happens.
✨Kelly’s Tip: Serve these potatoes with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping — trust me on this one. The cool, creamy tang of the tzatziki against the hot, crispy, garlicky potatoes is absolutely addictive. You can make your own or grab a good store-bought version (we love the Trader Joe’s one when we have it on hand). Just set a bowl right on the platter next to the potatoes and watch it disappear.
FAQS – Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Baby Yukon Golds are our go-to — they’re buttery, creamy, and smash beautifully. Baby reds work too, but Yukons give you the best flavor and that perfect creamy center.
Three secrets: make sure they’re dried well after boiling, don’t be shy with the olive oil, and give them space on the baking sheet. Crowding = steaming instead of crisping. Also, a hot oven (425°F) is non-negotiable.
Yes! Boil and refrigerate them up to a day in advance. When you’re ready, smash, oil, season, and roast. They’ll actually get even crispier since the outside dries out a bit in the fridge.
We add the minced garlic before roasting so it gets toasty and fragrant in the oven. If you’re worried about burning, add it during the last 10 minutes of roasting — but we’ve never had an issue at 425°F with the olive oil protecting it.
You can, in a pinch, use about one-third the amount (dried herbs are more concentrated). But fresh herbs really make this dish sing, especially the parsley and chives at the end.
Truly — everything. Steak, chicken, fish, and a fried egg on top for brunch. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser side.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs Recipe Card
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs
Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes
- 3 –4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs rosemary, thyme, parsley, dill, finely chopped
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives snipped
- Flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well.
- Arrange potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a fork, gently press each potato until flattened to about ½ inch thick.
- Drizzle generously with olive oil. Scatter minced garlic and fresh herbs over the top. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, until edges are deeply golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven. Top immediately with grated Parmesan and more fresh herbs and chives.
- Serve hot — straight from the pan is encouraged.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
Oscar & Ollie 🐾
Before we close out February, I had to share one of my all-time favorite photos — this is Oscar and me from a Fridays with Oscar Valentine’s Day post back in 2022, and it still makes my heart so full every time I see it. That boy could always sense when I needed a good snuggle, and apparently Valentine’s Day was no exception. There’s nothing quite like a German Shepherd kiss to remind you what love really looks like.
Meanwhile, in present-day news, Ollie has claimed her throne. You’ll find her perched on the marble side table in the living room, surveying her kingdom with the quiet confidence of someone who knows she’s in charge. And honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Happy almost-spring, friends. 🐾
More Weekend Inspiration on The Blog
- This Instant Pot French Dip is a Family Favorite
- A Cozy Night In: 5 Little Luxuries That Make Your Weekend Feel Special
- Easy Elegant Recipes: Lavender Gin Fizz & Lemon Herb Orzo
- Weekend Finds: 7 Things Under $50 That Are SO Worth It Right Now
Almost-Spring Outfits
Beth’s Almost-Spring Look
I kept things casually chic in The Pink Cashmere Getaway Sweater from Alice Walk, with a button-detail split collar — the kind of sweater that feels like a hug but looks pulled together.
Shop Beth’s Look
I paired it with medium-wash Molly stretch high-rise straight jeans and dark brown Uptown hybrid penny loafers with a white platform sole. It’s relaxed, it’s comfortable, and the pink is giving us just enough warmth to carry us into spring.
Shop Beth’s Look
Kelly’s Almost-Spring Look
Today, I went fresh and springy in the striped modern ribbed long-sleeve tee, from Gap Factory, tucked into cream petite darted barrel-leg jeans — a silhouette that’s been my go-to lately, and for good reason, it’s comfortable!!
Shop Kelly’s Look
I finished the look with light mint mesh sneakers that kept the whole thing casual and easy. My mint-colored mesh Tretorn Sneakers are several years old, but the mesh shoe trend is going strong, and I found this similar pair from Rothy’s.
Shop Kelly’s Look
Cheers to Almost-Spring!
That’s a wrap on this week’s Fridays with Oscar! If you’re feeling that almost-spring energy like we are, lean into it — shake up a Grapefruit Paloma, get those potatoes in the oven, and enjoy the fact that the days are getting just a little bit longer. Spring is coming, ladies, and we’re ready for it. Cheers to the weekend!
With love, Beth, Kelly, Ollie…and always, Oscar 🍊🐾🌿
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