Paraben 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 drink that makes any occasion feel like a celebration. The homemade cucumber simple syrup is the real star here — gently simmered and steeped until it turns a pale, fragrant green, it adds a subtle earthiness that store-bought mixers simply can't replicate. Every ingredient in this cocktail is straightforward and whole: fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, blanco tequila, and sparkling water — nothing processed, nothing synthetic, nothing you'd need to scrutinize a label for. That matters more than people realize, since many flavored syrups and pre-made cocktail mixes sneak in preservatives and additives that have no business being in your glass. The salted rim with a squeeze of lime ties everything together, giving you that perfect sweet-salty-tart balance in every sip. Shaking it hard over ice chills the whole thing down beautifully before you top it off with sparkling water for a fizzy, effervescent finish. It's an elegant, clean cocktail that tastes like it came from a great bar — made entirely in your own kitchen.

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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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