Beef Free Classic Cucumber Paloma

Total time30 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.6

(27)

Bright, citrusy, and just a little unexpected, this cucumber paloma is the kind of drink that makes a regular evening feel like a proper occasion. The homemade cucumber simple syrup is the real star here — gently simmered and steeped until it turns a soft, pale green with a clean, cooling fragrance that store-bought mixers simply can't replicate. Fresh grapefruit juice and a hit of lime keep things tart and lively, while blanco tequila ties it all together with just enough edge. The salted rim adds that satisfying savory contrast with every sip, and a final pour of sparkling water keeps the whole thing effervescent and refreshing. Every single ingredient in this cocktail is naturally plant-based and completely free of any animal products, so there's zero guesswork about what's in your glass. It's an impressive pour for entertaining, but honestly easy enough to shake up on a Tuesday night just for yourself.

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Ingredients

2 servings

For the cucumber simple syrup

½ cup water
½ cup granulated sugar
½ medium cucumber, thinly sliced

For the salted rim

1 tbsp kosher salt
1 lime wedge, for rimming

For the cocktail

3 oz blanco tequila
¾ cup fresh grapefruit juice (from about 1 large grapefruit)
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
3 tbsp cucumber simple syrup (from above)
1 cup sparkling water
ice cubes

For serving

2–3 thin cucumber slices, for garnish (optional)
2 grapefruit wedges, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1
Make the cucumber simple syrup: combine the water, sugar, and sliced cucumber in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes, until the syrup is lightly fragrant and pale green.
2
Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a small jar or bowl, pressing the cucumber slices gently to extract their liquid. Discard the solids. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using.

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