Tart, effervescent, and just sweet enough, this Paloma mocktail features bold grapefruit and lime flavors, with an agave nectar-based simple syrup for a fun and fancy tasting mocktail.
I gravitate toward tequila cocktails, so it's no surprise that I'm partial to the often citrusy flavors in no-tequila mocktails, too. A margarita mocktail was a recent not-so-unexpected hit in my house, and this virgin Paloma quickly following suit.
While a Paloma is traditionally made with tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice, we're (obviously) omitting the tequila and swapping out soda for freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice for flavor and sparkling water for effervescence.
This Paloma mocktail can be enjoyed by the whole family and goes down easy any time of year!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Making a simple syrup using agave nectar means it's super easy to mix into drinks even after they've been poured. It also gives a nod to tequila, with which a Paloma is traditionally made.
- If not making a salt rim, adding the tiniest pinch of salt to the drink itself rounds out the tart and sweet flavors and brings a note that traditionally comes from tequila.
- Grapefruit is a more unique flavor for citrus cocktails and makes this Paloma mocktail feel like a special sipper.
Mocktail Ingredients
- Grapefruit Juice: The star of the show!
- Agave Simple Syrup: Comprised of 1:1 agave nectar and water, this is a fun twist on basic simple syrup for traditionally tequila-based drinks. Plus fully liquefying agave nectar in this way makes it combine perfectly.
- Lime Juice: Freshly-squeezed is best. One mocktail will use about half a lime's worth of juice.
- Club Soda: Or seltzer or sparkling water.
- Salt: Yes, in the drink itself. This is a good option if you prefer not to mess around with a salt rim.
Why Add Salt?
Mocktails run the risk of being boring when compared to other beverages. At their base they're usually fruit juice and carbonated water, you know? But being intentional with the ingredients can produce a nuanced and special-tasting drink. Case in point: non-alcoholic sangria.
Per Liquor.com, drinks with strong citrus notes can benefit by adding salt into the mix. It enhances tartness, balances sweetness, and gives a pop to carbonated beverages. Check, check, and check. While you can opt for a salt rim, you can also try adding a very small pinch of salt to the mocktail itself, too.
Easy Steps
- Salt the rim (optional). Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a short glass (or use water). Shake some coarse salt onto a plate and gently roll the moistened rim in it to coat.
- Pour. Add ice to a cocktail shaker and pour in the grapefruit juice, syrup, and lime juice. If not salting the rim, you can add a very tiny pinch of salt to the cocktail shaker.
- Shake and stir. Firmly place the lid on the shaker and shake well. Strain into a glass over ice, then stir in club soda.
Tips and Tricks
- Garnish: Place a few thinly-sliced lime rounds into each Paloma mocktail and serve with a grapefruit wedge on the rim.
- Stir, don't shake: Don't add anything carbonated (like club soda) to a cocktail shaker. The pressure will build up tremendously when you shake it, likely leading to the lid flying off and liquid to spill everywhere.
- Easier juicing. Are your limes cold from the fridge and a little tough to juice? Place them whole in the microwave and zap for 10-15 seconds to make them easier to squeeze.
Make a Pitcher
This virgin Paloma mocktail makes a great pitcher drink for easier entertaining. Stir the citrus juices, syrup, and pinch of salt in a pitcher and refrigerate. Don't add the club soda until just before serving so it doesn't go flat, and add ice to individual glasses (not the pitcher) so the flavor doesn't get diluted when it melts.
Here are the quantities for 6 servings:
- 12 ounces grapefruit juice
- 6 ounces agave simple syrup
- 3 ounces lime juice
- Pinch of salt
- 18 ounces club soda
More Non-Alcoholic Beverages
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Paloma Mocktail
Ingredients
Agave Simple Syrup
- ½ cup agave nectar
- 4 ounces (½ cup) water
Paloma Mocktail (one drink)
- 2 ounces freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce agave simple syrup (or ½ ounce agave nectar)
- ½ ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
- Very tiny pinch salt optional
- 3 ounces club soda or sparkling water
- Ice
Instructions
Make the Syrup:
- Add agave nectar and water to a small saucepan set over medium-low heat. Stir as everything heats and the agave nectar thins out entirely and becomes liquid. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool, then transfer to an air-tight jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Prepare the Mocktail:
- Optional: Wet the rim of a short glass with a lime wedge or roll it in a shallow bowl of water. Roll the moistened rim in a plate scattered with coarse salt. Set aside for now.
- Add a nice handful of ice to a cocktail shaker and pour in the grapefruit juice, 1 ounce of the agave simple syrup, lime juice, and pinch of salt (if not salting the rim). Secure the lid and shake well.
- Add ice to the glass and strain the mocktail mixture over top. Stir in club soda. Garnish with lime rounds and a grapefruit wedge.
Notes
- If you're making this drink on the fly and don't have time to prepare a simple syrup, add half of the amount in straight agave nectar. This would be 0.5 ounce (one Tablespoon) of agave nectar.
- It's important not to add carbonated things to a cocktail shaker because when shaken, pressure will build up quickly and likely knock the lid right off. This is messy!
- The agave syrup can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 weeks in advance. This amount will yield enough for 6-8 beverages.
- To make a pitcher drink for 6, combine citrus juices, agave, and salt in a pitcher, then add club soda just prior to pouring and serving. Here are the quantities:
- 12 ounces grapefruit juice
- 6 ounces simple syrup
- 3 ounces lime juice
- Pinch of salt
- 18 ounces club soda
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Food Safety and Nutrition Disclaimer
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