Cinnamon Free Classic Cucumber Paloma

Total time30 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.6

(27)

Bright, refreshing, and built entirely around clean citrus and garden-fresh cucumber, this paloma is the kind of cocktail that feels like a warm afternoon on a patio. The homemade cucumber simple syrup is the real star here — sliced cucumber steeps in warm sugar syrup until it turns pale green and lightly fragrant, adding a cool, subtle depth that store-bought mixers simply can't replicate. Fresh grapefruit juice and a squeeze of lime keep everything tart and lively, while blanco tequila ties it all together with just the right amount of bite. A salted rim and a top of sparkling water give it that classic highball finish — effervescent, balanced, and genuinely hard to put down. For anyone navigating spice sensitivities, this recipe is naturally free of warming spices, relying only on fruit, cucumber, and a touch of salt for all its complexity. It's an impressive drink to serve at a gathering, but easy enough to shake up on a quiet weeknight when you just want something a little special.

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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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