Hazelnut Free Herbal Grapefruit Paloma
Bright, citrusy, and just a little herbaceous, this cocktail is the kind of drink that makes a regular Tuesday feel like a rooftop happy hour. Fresh grapefruit juice and lime bring serious zing, while a homemade rosemary-thyme simple syrup adds a savory, aromatic depth that bottled mixers simply can't replicate. The salted rim ties everything together, giving each sip that perfect sweet-tart-salty balance before the sparkling water lifts it all into something genuinely refreshing. Every ingredient here is naturally free from tree nut concerns — no flavored syrups, no specialty liqueurs, no mystery additives that might sneak in unwanted allergens. Making the herbal syrup from scratch takes only a few minutes on the stovetop, and the payoff is a cocktail that tastes like it came from a very good bar. Serve it immediately after shaking so the ice stays crisp and the bubbles stay lively.
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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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