Dairy Free Classic Cucumber Paloma

Total time30 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.6

(27)

Bright, citrusy, and refreshingly cool, this cucumber paloma is the kind of cocktail that makes any occasion feel like a warm-weather celebration. The star of the show is a homemade cucumber simple syrup — just water, sugar, and fresh cucumber slices steeped together until the syrup turns lightly fragrant and pale green. That subtle vegetal sweetness plays beautifully against the tartness of fresh grapefruit and lime juice, with blanco tequila tying everything together. Since every ingredient here is naturally free of dairy, there's nothing to swap or second-guess — just clean, vibrant flavors from start to finish. A salted rim adds a savory edge that makes each sip taste even more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. Topped with sparkling water for a gentle fizz and garnished with thin cucumber slices, it looks as impressive as it tastes. Mix up a batch for a backyard gathering or a quiet Friday night — either way, it disappears fast.

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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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