Juicy, tart and perfectly delicious, these paloma mocktails are simple to make and can be ready in less than 5 minutes. I went through a LOT of grapefruit to get this recipe just right, and the result is a virgin paloma with the ideal balance of bitter, salty and sweet – enjoy!
Why'll you'll love this recipe
You'll love these paloma mocktails because:
- They can be made in minutes: with just 4 simple ingredients and a quick shake, your palomas will be ready in no time.
- The recipe can be adapted to make a pitcher: the only thing that's better than a paloma for one is a paloma for friends! This recipe can be easily adapted to make for a crowd...although it's so good you might not want to share.
- It's perfectly Instagrammable: with it's gorgeous peachy color, green garnish and salty rim, your mocktails don't just taste great, they look great too!
Ingredients - what you need
- Grapefruit juice: when it comes to citrus, fresh is always best. Having said that, I do understand citrus can be expensive, so if bottled is all you have access to, go for it! They'll still be delicious.
- Lime juice: again, fresh citrus is everything when it comes to making the best mocktails, so use fresh if you can. If you have to choose between fresh grapefruit juice or fresh lime, choose fresh lime every time. If you do choose bottled lime juice, look for one without added sugar. Lime juice is supposed to be tart, not sweet!
- Maple syrup (or replacement): I love using maple syrup as a natural way to sweeten my mocktails, but I understand it's not for everyone. Other options include honey syrup, monk fruit sweetener, simple syrup or your choice of sweetener.
- Apple cider vinegar: did you know that vinegar is a by-product of alcohol? This is why I love using apple cider vinegar in my mocktails. It helps to replicate that 'bite' that often goes missing when we remove alcohol from a drink. Another option is using a non-alcoholic tequila. Pst: if you love all things apple, be sure to check out my apple cider mocktails too!
- Pinch of salt: I like using sea salt or kosher salt. Avoid using regular table salt if you can, it's just not the same.
Equipment
You don't need a lot of equipment to make your paloma mocktails. Just have on hand:
- Something to shake. Of course this is where a shaker comes in handy, but you can also use everyday household items such as a drink bottle or mason jar. Anything with a tight lid will work.
- Something to measure. This is where a jigger is of use...it's like a mini measuring cup for mocktails to help get the quantities just right! If you don't have one, measuring spoons are a perfect replacement.
How to make perfect paloma mocktails
- Squeeze your citrus if needed, then add your grapefruit juice and lime juice to the shaker or mason jar (or drink bottle!)
- Add your sweetener of choice, along with your apple cider vinegar or tequila and a pinch of sea salt.
3. Add some ice and shake for around 15-20 seconds until the shaker is cold and the ingredients are well combined.
4. Strain over fresh ice into a short tumbler.
5. For a sparkling version, top with grapefruit or plain soda, then stir gently - don't disturb those lovely bubbles too much!
6. Garnish with your choice of fresh grapefruit, lime or both.
Expert tips and tricks
- To make a batch virgin paloma: in the recipe card below, tap on the '1' next to 'Servings' and drag the circle across until you land on your desired number of servings. This will adjust the ingredients and tell you how much of each ingredient you need. To assemble, add all ingredients (except the soda) to your pitcher or punch bowl and stir gently. When you're ready to serve, add the soda and stir gently to combine.
- It's your choice whether you use non-alcoholic tequila or apple cider vinegar. Both are great, but the alcohol-free tequila will obviously make this much closer to the classic.
- Love a spicy paloma mocktail? During step 1, add 2 thin slices of jalapeño, then muddle gently before moving on to Step 2. I find jalapeño particularly effective in virgin palomas when you're not using a tequila replacement - it will give your mocktail a little heat!
Related Recipes
I hope you love these easy paloma mocktails as much as I do!
Perfect Paloma Mocktails
These easy paloma mocktails are deliciously juicy, tart and refreshing. With the perfect balance of bitter, sweet and salty, they take just minutes to make and can be made as a batch mocktail for guests.
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Servings: 1
Instructions
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To make the optional rim: pour a small amount of salt or Tajin on a shallow plate. Run a lime or grapefruit wedge along the outside of the glass. Dip the moistened rim into the salt or Tajin and press gently.
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Pour the grapefruit juice and lime juice into your shaker. If you don't have a shaker, use a mason jar or drink bottle - anything with a tight lid will work!
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Add the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and pinch of sea salt, along with 3-4 cubes of ice. Replace the lid and shake for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is cold and the ingredients are well combined.
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Strain over fresh ice into a tumbler and top with soda if you wish. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Note 2: Apple cider vinegar gives your paloma mocktails a lovely bite and they will be delicious, but if you want to get closer to the classic version, a non-alcoholic tequila is your best bet!
Note 3: I love my palomas with bubbles! You can choose a bubbly mixer of your choice - the grapefruit soda is my personal favorite, but lime or plain sparkling water would also be perfection.
Nutrition
Serving: 250g | Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.3mg
NUTRITIONAL VALUES ARE ESTIMATES ONLY AND DO NOT INCLUDE CARBS FROM SUGAR ALCOHOLS.
