Honey Free Berry Paloma with Fresh Berries
This vibrant, fruit-forward cocktail is the kind of drink that makes any occasion feel like a celebration. Tart grapefruit juice, a squeeze of fresh lime, and a homemade berry syrup made from real fruit and granulated sugar come together for a flavor that's bright, layered, and genuinely refreshing. Many classic paloma-style drinks and cocktail syrups lean on honey or agave as a sweetener, but this one keeps things simple with plain sugar — no substitutions needed, no label-checking required. The berry syrup takes just a few minutes on the stovetop, and straining it through a fine mesh sieve gives you a silky, jewel-toned liquid that shakes up beautifully with blanco tequila and chilled sparkling water. A pinch of salt ties all the flavors together in a way that feels surprisingly sophisticated. Serve it over ice in tall glasses with a few fresh berries and a citrus wedge on the rim, and it looks like something straight off a cocktail bar menu.
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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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