Emulsifier Free Berry Paloma with Fresh Berries
Tart grapefruit, bright lime, and a jewel-toned berry syrup come together in a cocktail that looks like it belongs on a rooftop bar but comes together in your own kitchen. The homemade berry syrup is the real star here — just berries, sugar, and water simmered down and strained into something silky and vibrant, with zero additives or stabilizers hiding in the mix. That matters more than you might think, because many store-bought syrups and cocktail mixers sneak in emulsifiers to extend shelf life or improve texture, and this recipe sidesteps all of that entirely. Every ingredient is exactly what it says it is: fresh citrus, blanco tequila, sparkling water, and fruit. The shake-and-strain method gives the drink a beautifully smooth pour, and topping each glass gently with chilled sparkling water keeps those bubbles alive until the very last sip. Finished with fresh berries and a wedge of grapefruit or lime, it's as pretty as it is refreshing. Mix up a batch for a weekend brunch or a warm evening and feel good knowing exactly what's in your glass.
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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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