Lupin 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 people ask for the recipe before they've even finished their glass. The homemade cucumber simple syrup is the real star — gently simmered with fresh cucumber slices and left to steep until it turns pale green and subtly fragrant, it adds a cool, garden-fresh note that store-bought mixers simply can't replicate. Fresh grapefruit juice and a squeeze of lime keep things tart and lively, while blanco tequila ties it all together with just enough edge. The salted rim, rubbed on with a lime wedge, gives every sip that satisfying savory contrast you'd get at a great cocktail bar. Everything in this drink is naturally free from legume-based additives or fillers — no flavored syrups with mystery ingredients, no pre-made mixes to second-guess. A final pour of sparkling water down the side of the glass keeps the carbonation intact, so it arrives at the table perfectly fizzy. Dress it up with a few cucumber slices and a grapefruit wedge and it looks as good as it tastes.

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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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