Celery 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 cocktail that makes a regular Tuesday feel like a rooftop happy hour. The homemade cucumber simple syrup is the real star — simmered with fresh cucumber slices and steeped until it turns pale green and lightly fragrant, it adds a cool, garden-fresh note that bottled mixers simply can't replicate. Blanco tequila, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and a hit of lime keep things sharp and refreshing, while a salted rim ties every sip together. Topping the whole thing with sparkling water poured gently down the side of the glass keeps that satisfying fizz intact all the way to the bottom. For anyone navigating ingredient sensitivities, this recipe is wonderfully straightforward — every component is whole and recognizable, with no hidden additives or mystery flavorings to second-guess. It comes together in under 30 minutes and feels genuinely impressive, whether you're mixing for yourself or serving a crowd.

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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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