Yeast Free Classic Cucumber Paloma

Total time30 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.6

(27)

Bright, citrusy, and impossibly refreshing, this cucumber paloma is the kind of drink that makes any occasion feel like a 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 pale green and lightly fragrant. That syrup gets shaken with blanco tequila, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and a hit of lime, then topped with sparkling water for a fizzy, balanced finish. Because everything here is made from scratch with whole, recognizable ingredients, there's no need to scan labels for hidden yeast-derived additives that can sneak into store-bought mixers and flavored spirits. The salted rim adds a savory contrast that makes each sip taste even more vibrant, and the optional cucumber and grapefruit garnishes make it look genuinely stunning in the glass. It's a cocktail that feels fancy without requiring any bartending experience — just a shaker, some ice, and a little patience while that syrup cools.

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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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