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This bright bubbly Paloma-inspired mocktail is my favorite thing to sip when I need something fun that doesn’t have alcohol. It’s got lots of zippy grapefruit and lime, is lightly sweet and fizzy, and comes together fast. Great for parties or a chill afternoon pick-me-up.
I started whipping these up for get-togethers but soon they became my evening treat after sweaty summer walks with my crew. The sparkle kind of feels like a mini party every time.
Vivid Ingredients
- Lime or grapefruit wedge for rim and garnish: brightens the look and the taste, plus looks cool perched on the glass
- Salt or Tajin for rimming: brings out the flavors, and Tajin adds a mild spicy kick
- Plain or grapefruit soda water: gives those fresh bubbles, choose grapefruit if you want a little extra zing
- Sea salt: wakes up all the citrus, flaky finishing salt is best if you’ve got it
- Apple cider vinegar or booze-free tequila: gives things a punchy bite like spirits would, use raw vinegar or a zero-proof tequila for some extra flair
- Maple syrup or favorite sweetener: smooths out the tart, use maple for an earthy note, or honey/agave if you want to switch it up
- Lime juice: sharpens up everything, go freshly squeezed if you can
- Grapefruit juice: makes it aromatic and tart, ruby red is sweeter, and fresher is better
Simple Directions
- Garnish and Serve:
- Stick a lime or grapefruit wedge on your glass or plop it in for some flair. Serve right away so you catch all the bubbles and best flavor.
- Strain and Top:
- Pour from the shaker into your salt-rimmed glass stacked with fresh ice, gently so you don’t mess up the rim, then fill up with soda for that pop.
- Shake It All Together:
- Close the shaker and shake hard for around fifteen seconds, so everything gets combined and super cold.
- Mix the Drinks:
- Drop grapefruit juice, lime juice, salt, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in your shaker with three or four ice cubes for a good chill.
- Set Up the Glass:
- Moisten your glass rim by rubbing a citrus wedge around it, roll it in salt or Tajin spread on a plate, press gently so it sticks well.
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I love using pink grapefruits because they are super sweet and make the drink look awesome. The day I splashed in some zero-proof tequila, my family honestly thought it was the real deal. Made taco night way more festive.
Freshness Hacks
This drink is best if you make it right before you want to drink it so the bubbles stay fizzy and the citrus tastes bright. You can mix the base earlier—like four hours ahead—just stash it in the fridge. Save the ice and soda for right before you pour.
Swaps You Can Try
Not feeling maple syrup? Use honey syrup or plain simple syrup. Stevia or monkfruit will do if you want no sugar. No apple cider vinegar? Use a little lemon juice or leave it out for a softer taste. Tajin gone? Just mix salt and chili powder and you’re set.
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Ways To Enjoy
This drink goes awesome with tacos, barbecue, or fresh salads. For brunch, I like to pop in a mint sprig or some pomegranate seeds to make it pretty and add a fun twist.
Paloma Origins
The OG Paloma is a classic from Mexico with grapefruit, lime, and tequila. This sunny version drops the booze for a tangy, gentle drink that’s crowd friendly. People have been loving grapefruit sippers for ages for their gut-friendly and cooling kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What else can I use if I'm out of maple syrup?
Go for honey, simple syrup, Stevia, or monkfruit—you'll still get a nice balanced sweetness with these swaps.
- → What's apple cider vinegar do here?
It gives a tart kick, brings some depth, and makes the drink taste a little more complex—almost like real booze would.
- → Can I switch up the soda water flavor?
Totally—try grapefruit or lime bubbly water. Mix it up until you find one you like best.
- → How can I prep the glass rim just right?
Wipe the rim with a slice of citrus, then press into salt or Tajin on a plate so you get a tasty coating all around.
- → Is it okay to prepare in advance?
Yes. Mix the main ingredients early and chill, but don't add ice or soda until serving so it stays bubbly and fresh.