Pistachio Free Classic Cucumber Paloma

Total time30 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.6

(27)

This refreshing cocktail is the kind of drink that makes a warm afternoon feel like a proper occasion. The star move here is a homemade cucumber simple syrup — sliced cucumber steeped in sugar and water until the syrup turns pale green and lightly fragrant — which gives the whole drink a cool, garden-fresh depth you just can't get from a bottle. Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and a hit of lime keep things bright and citrusy, while blanco tequila ties it all together with just enough edge. A salted rim adds that classic savory contrast, and a gentle pour of sparkling water at the end keeps every sip effervescent. Every single ingredient in this drink is naturally free from tree nuts, so there's no label-scanning or substitution anxiety involved — just clean, vibrant flavors from start to finish. It's an impressive cocktail to serve at a gathering, but honestly easy enough to shake up on a random Tuesday night.

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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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