Nightshade Free Herbal Grapefruit Paloma
Bright, citrusy, and just a little herbaceous, this cocktail is the kind of drink that makes a regular evening feel like a proper occasion. A homemade rosemary-thyme simple syrup is the real star here — steeped just long enough to pull out those fragrant oils before getting strained into something silky and faintly golden. Fresh grapefruit juice and a hit of lime keep everything tart and lively, while blanco tequila ties it all together with a clean, grassy backbone. Avoiding nightshades doesn't usually complicate cocktails, but store-bought mixers and flavored syrups can sneak in unexpected ingredients — making everything from scratch here means you know exactly what's in your glass. The salted rim adds a savory contrast that makes each sip pop, and the sparkling water finish keeps it light and refreshing rather than cloying. It's an impressive pour for guests or a well-deserved reward after a long day, and the leftover herbal syrup is worth making on its own merits.
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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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