Rice Free Herbal Grapefruit Paloma
Bright, citrusy, and just a little unexpected, this cocktail is the kind of drink that makes a regular evening feel like a proper occasion. Fresh grapefruit juice and lime bring serious zing, while a homemade rosemary-thyme syrup adds an herbal depth you simply won't find in anything bottled. The process of steeping the herbs in warm sugar syrup is genuinely satisfying — your kitchen will smell incredible before you've even touched the shaker. A salted rim ties everything together, playing off the tartness of the citrus in the best possible way. Cocktails are one of those categories where grain-based fillers and syrups can sneak in unexpectedly, but every single component here is straightforward and naturally free of any such concerns — just tequila, fresh juice, sparkling water, and that gorgeous herb syrup you made yourself. Shake it hard, pour it over ice, and finish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme if you want to make it look as good as it tastes.
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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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