Turkey Free Cucumber Herb Paloma
This cocktail is a bright, garden-fresh twist on a classic paloma, layering tart grapefruit and lime with cool cucumber juice and a fragrant herb syrup made from fresh mint and basil. The result is floral, citrusy, and just a little unexpected — the kind of drink that makes guests ask for the recipe before they've even finished the first sip. Because it's built entirely from fresh produce, citrus, tequila, and sparkling water, there's nothing to second-guess on the ingredient list, making it a genuinely clean and crowd-pleasing pour. Steeping the mint and basil into a quick homemade syrup is the move that sets this apart from any bottled mixer, and it only takes about 15 minutes of hands-off time. The flaky salt rim adds a savory edge that plays beautifully against all that citrus brightness. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or just treating yourself on a warm evening, this one comes together fast and looks stunning in the glass.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the herb simple syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, lightly packed
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
For the rim
- 1 tbsp flaky sea salt
- 1 grapefruit wedge, for rimming
For the cocktail
- 4 oz blanco tequila
- 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice (from about 1 large grapefruit)
- 2 oz fresh cucumber juice (from about ½ medium cucumber, peeled and blended or pressed)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz herb simple syrup (from above)
- 4 oz sparkling water
- 1 cup ice cubes
For serving
- 2 thin cucumber slices (optional)
- 2 small fresh mint or basil sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Make the herb simple syrup: combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat, add the mint and basil leaves, and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a small jar or bowl, pressing the herbs to extract their flavor, then discard the solids. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- 2
Make the cucumber juice: peel half a medium cucumber, cut it into rough chunks, and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing firmly to yield about 2 oz of clear juice. Discard the pulp.
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