Gluten Free Herbal Grapefruit Paloma
Bright, citrusy, and just a little herbaceous, this paloma is the kind of cocktail that makes any occasion feel like a celebration. Fresh grapefruit juice and lime bring serious zing, while a homemade rosemary-thyme simple syrup adds a savory, aromatic depth you simply won't find in a bottled mixer. The good news for anyone navigating a gluten-free lifestyle is that every single ingredient here — blanco tequila, fresh citrus, sugar, herbs, sparkling water — is naturally free of gluten, so there's no label-squinting required. Making the herbal syrup from scratch takes only a few minutes on the stovetop, and the payoff is a fragrant, faintly golden syrup that elevates the whole drink. A salted rim rubbed with a fresh grapefruit wedge ties everything together with a satisfying savory contrast. Shake it hard, pour it over ice, and finish with a splash of sparkling water for that effervescent lift. It's refreshing, elegant, and genuinely easy to pull off at home.
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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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