Xanthan Gum 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 rooftop happy hour. The homemade rosemary-thyme simple syrup is the real star — steeped just long enough to pull those fragrant oils into a faintly golden, aromatic base that store-bought mixers simply can't replicate. Fresh grapefruit juice and a squeeze of lime keep things tart and lively, while blanco tequila ties it all together with a clean, slightly floral backbone. A salted rim adds that perfect savory contrast to every sip. The whole thing gets topped with chilled sparkling water for a refreshing fizz that makes it feel festive without being fussy. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of thickeners and stabilizers — no syrups from a bottle, no pre-made mixes, just whole fruit, fresh herbs, and pantry staples you can trust. Shake it up, pour it over ice, and serve immediately for a cocktail that looks 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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