Black Pepper Free Berry Paloma with Fresh Berries
Bright, fruity, and absolutely stunning in the glass, this berry paloma is the kind of cocktail that makes any occasion feel like a celebration. A homemade berry syrup — simmered from fresh or frozen mixed berries, sugar, and water, then strained until silky smooth — gives the drink its gorgeous color and natural sweetness. That syrup gets shaken together with blanco tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, a squeeze of lime, and just a pinch of salt, creating a perfectly balanced mix of tart, sweet, and citrusy. Topped with chilled sparkling water and poured over ice, it's refreshing in the most effortless way. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of black pepper, so there's no label-reading or substitution stress — just clean, vibrant flavors from start to finish. Fresh berries and a citrus wedge on the rim make it look like something you'd order at a rooftop bar, but it comes together in your own kitchen in minutes. Make a double batch of that berry syrup on the weekend and you'll be set for the whole week.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the berry syrup
- ½ cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp water
For the cocktail
- 4 oz blanco tequila
- ¾ cup fresh grapefruit juice (from about 1 large grapefruit)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
- ice cubes, as needed
For serving
- ¼ cup fresh berries, for garnish (optional)
- 2 grapefruit or lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the berries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the berries break down and release their juices, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- 2
Press the berry mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a small bowl or jar, pressing firmly on the solids to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids. You should have about 3–4 tbsp of berry syrup.
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