Emulsifier Free Herbal Grapefruit Paloma
Bright, citrusy, and just a little herbal, this cocktail is the kind of drink that makes a warm evening feel like a proper occasion. The homemade rosemary-thyme simple syrup is the real star — simmered gently and steeped until fragrant, it brings a savory, aromatic depth that store-bought mixers simply can't replicate. Because everything here is made from scratch using whole, recognizable ingredients, you never have to second-guess what's actually in your glass. Fresh grapefruit juice, lime, blanco tequila, and sparkling water do all the heavy lifting, with zero need for pre-bottled syrups or flavored sodas that often sneak in unwanted additives. The salted rim adds a satisfying contrast to the tart citrus, and the whole thing comes together with nothing more than a saucepan, a shaker, and a few minutes of your time. It's refreshing, elegant, and completely built from ingredients you can see and trust.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the herbal simple syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
For the salted rim
- 2 tsp coarse kosher salt
- 1 grapefruit wedge, for rimming
For the cocktail
- 3 oz blanco tequila
- ¾ cup fresh grapefruit juice (from about 1 large grapefruit)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- 1 oz herbal simple syrup (from above)
- 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
- 1 cup ice cubes
For serving
- 2 small sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish (optional)
- 2 thin grapefruit slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sugar, water, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the herbs steep for 10 minutes, until the syrup is fragrant and faintly golden.
- 2
Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a small jar or bowl, pressing the herbs lightly to extract their oils. Discard the spent herbs. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using.
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