Usually yes - I often make the tepache then do a second fermentation with pineapple juice (just strain the tepache back into its pitcher, mix with pineapple juice, stir daily till fizzy) because I am always disappointed with the amount I get from a gallon batch - ginger beer when I make it in a gallon pitcher makes a gallon. Tepache, so much displacement from the peels! This way it gets lightly alcoholic but not so dry.
I've noticed the same thing; the peels take up so much space. Have you tried doing an anaerobic second fermentation to really crank up the fizz and encourage yeast growth?
A paloma yesterday. Not my favorite version (Jarritos Toronja, lime, tequila) as I didn't want to go shopping but with San Pellegrino Pompelmo & tequila. Nice and simple highball. I poured the tequila & soda in a measuring cup to combine, then over ice, topped with more soda to fill.