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There’s nothing better than a cold, refreshing drink on a hot evening, and lately, my favorite place to sip one is my front porch. We had someone come pour concrete out front last month so we could set up chairs, and honestly? I’m obsessed. It’s become my go-to spot to slow down at the end of the day.
This paloma mocktail is what I’ve made the last few Fridays and is my favorite non-alcoholic version of the classic cocktail. Grapefruit has this bright, bitter bite that feels a little unexpected, and that’s exactly why I love it. It wakes everything up. I’m such a fan of that bitterness that half the time I skip the maple syrup altogether and let the grapefruit do its thing. But if you like a little balance, a teaspoon of maple rounds it out perfectly.
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What really won me over, though, was how easy this recipe is. I usually have everything I need sitting in my fridge, which means I can make it whenever the craving strikes. I don’t have to run to the store or buy anything fancy.
If you’re building a summer drink menu, try my cherry limeade, strawberry lemonade, and non-alcoholic sangria.
Paloma Mocktail Ingredients
- Grapefruit: The star of the show! Fresh grapefruit gives this mocktail its signature sweet-tart flavor. Use whatever you can find at your local grocery store, yet if you have options, this can help:
- Ruby Red: What I used for balanced sweetness and a bright pink hue.
- White Grapefruit: Sweeter with less tartness if you don’t crave bitter.
- Rio Star: Very juicy and naturally sweet— can’t go wrong.
- Maple syrup: Just a touch helps balance the natural tartness of the grapefruit and lime.
- Lime: Fresh lime adds the brightness of fresh lime juice and a zesty kick that makes the grapefruit flavor pop. I coated the rim with lime zest and sugar— it’s sooooo good!
- Sparkling water: Transforms simple citrus juice into a refreshing mocktail. Spindrift has a grapefruit sparkling water (unsweetened) that would be amazing in this!
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How to Make a Paloma Mocktail
There’s no shaking or complicated prep involved. Simply blend the ingredients, pour over ice, and enjoy. Here’s how I make my grapefruit virgin paloma mocktail:
- Add the sliced and peeled grapefruit and sliced lime to a high-speed blender. You can peel the lime if you prefer (I don’t).
- Add the maple syrup.
- Blend until completely smooth, then pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer.
- Fill the glass with ice and pour the juice.
- Top with sparkling water to add a bubbly fizz to the drink.
- Finish with a gentle stir and serve chilled for the perfect refreshing summer sip.
Recipe Tips
- When peeling the grapefruit, remove as much as the pith as possible. The less fiber you have in the blended grapefruit, the easier it will be to use the sieve.
- Don’t strain the blended grapefruit. Pour it straight into a glass with sparkling water and toast to a fiber boost!
- Too tart? Add an extra drizzle of maple syrup or coat the rim with sugar. This will overpower the bitterness and create as sweet treat.
Common Questions
A paloma mocktail has a refreshing balance of sweet, tart, and bubbly flavors. The grapefruit provides a slightly tangy citrus flavor, while lime adds brightness and the sparkling water creates a crisp finish.
Yes. While grapefruit is the signature ingredient, you can use fresh orange or pomelo. The flavor will be different, but still refreshing.
If your grapefruit is particularly tart or bitter, add a little more maple syrup and make sure you’re using ripe, fresh grapefruit. A pinch of sea salt can also help balance the flavors.
Sparkling Grapefruit Paloma Mocktail
Jen HansardVideo
Ingredients
- 1 grapefruit peeled
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ½ lime
- 1 cup sparkling water
- ½ cup ice
Instructions
- Combine the grapefruit, maple syrup and lime in a blender and blend on high until smooth.
- Pour through a sieve into two glasses to catch the pulp. Add ice and top with sparkling water.
Recipe Notes
- Sweetness Tip: Grapefruits range from sweet to tart, so start with less maple syrup and add more to taste. Here’s more on natural sweeteners.
- Prep Tip: Chill the grapefruit, lime and sparkling water beforehand for the coldest drink.
- Rim Tip: Rub the glass rim with a grapefruit wedge, then dip it in fresh lime zest.
- Make Ahead: The citrus base, without the sparkling water, keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the sparkling water just before serving so it stays fizzy.
I’m curios if you could use a juicer for the grapefruit and lime.
You definitely could use the juice of the grapefruit and the lime.
Juice the lime? Or throw it in whole (half :/)?
You can definitely put in the whole half, or you can peel. It depends on what you like.