Perfect Paloma Mocktails

Two pink paloma mocktails with lime slices sit on marble coasters, surrounded by ice cubes. The glasses have rims coated with lime zest. In the background, a peach-colored flower and sliced grapefruit and lime add a vibrant touch.

5 from 3 votes

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.

Prep Time5

Total Time2

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings:

Calories: 72kcal

Author: Natalie Battaglia

Ingredients

2 ounce grapefruit juice
1 ounce lime juice (squeezed fresh is best)
½ ounce maple syrup (or your choice of sweetener - see Note 1)
¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or non-alcoholic tequila - see Note 2)
Pinch of sea salt
½ cup plain or grapefruit soda (optional - see Note 3)
Salt or Tajin for rim (optional)

Metric - US

Instructions

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.
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!
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.
Strain over fresh ice into a tumbler and top with soda if you wish. Garnish and serve.

Notes

Note 1: I love using maple syrup in my mocktails because it's a natural sweetener that tastes great! But I kow iit's not for everyone. You can replace this with a sweetener of your choice if you wish, I personally love honey syrup, simple syrup, Stevia and monkfruit.

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