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Zesty Paloma Grapefruit Lime

Category: Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving

Kick back with a lively Paloma that skips the alcohol but not the flavor, using fresh lime and grapefruit juice plus maple. Add non-alcoholic tequila or apple cider vinegar for something a little different. A sprinkle of sea salt boosts all the zippy citrus, especially with sparkling soda poured over top. Dress up each glass with a Tajin or salt rim, and toss on a slice of lime or grapefruit to finish. This bubbly drink is perky, tangy, and sweet—great for sharing or sipping in the sunshine. Want it sweeter? Use any syrup you like and try switching up your sparkling water flavor to keep things interesting.

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Dana
Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 18:27:15 GMT
Two glasses of Palomas garnished with lime and grapefruit. Pin
Two glasses of Palomas garnished with lime and grapefruit. | chefsnaps.com

This bright and fizzy Paloma drink is what I reach for when I want to chill out with something bubbly but don’t feel like having alcohol. It’s packed with tangy grapefruit and lime, pumped up with a hint of sweetness, and it’s a breeze to whip up. Great for any party or just a sunny afternoon hangout.

At first, I made these for get-togethers, but now it’s become my go-to cool-down after sweaty evening walks with my crew. That sparkling kick always feels like a treat.

Vibrant Ingredients

  • Lime juice: gives the whole drink a tart, punchy lift. Go with freshly squeezed for the zingiest sips.
  • Salt or Tajin for the rim: pops the flavors and adds just a little something extra. Tajin brings a mellow spicy kick if you like it.
  • Maple syrup or sweetener of your choice: makes everything smooth and balanced. Real maple syrup gives an earthy note, but agave or honey are cool too.
  • Plain soda water or grapefruit soda: gets those bubbles rolling. Pick regular for a crisp wake-up or grapefruit soda for extra zing.
  • Apple cider vinegar or zero proof tequila: puts a little tang and edge into every sip. Go for raw, unfiltered vinegar or swap in non booze tequila for a fun flavor bump.
  • Grapefruit juice: brings juicy citrus flavors and a hint of sharpness. Ruby red is sweeter and looks great—freshly squeezed is best if you can.
  • Lime or grapefruit wedge for rimming and garnish: makes everything fresh and vibrant, plus the drink looks gorgeous.
  • Sea salt: makes the citrus pop and the whole drink more lively. Flaky sea salt is perfect for the rim.

Simple How-To Steps

Toss on Garnish:
Finish things off with a slice of lime or grapefruit on the edge or in your glass. That’s it—enjoy it quick for the best fizz and taste.
Add Soda & Pour:
Pop open your shaker and strain all that goodness over plenty of ice in your rimmed glass. Top it off with your fizzy soda—go slow so your garnish and rim stay put.
Shake It Up Cold:
Cover the shaker and go to town shaking for around fifteen seconds. This chills everything and mixes it up nicely.
Build the Base:
Pour grapefruit juice, lime juice, sweetener, vinegar, and a sprinkle of sea salt into your shaker. Drop in some ice cubes so you get it nice and cold.
Salt the Rim:
Spread salt or Tajin on a plate. Swipe the rim of your glass with lime or grapefruit, then dip it right in the salty stuff so it’s coated well.
Two glasses of sparkly pink mocktails with grapefruit and lime. Pin
Two glasses of sparkly pink mocktails with grapefruit and lime. | chefsnaps.com

Pink grapefruit has always been my favorite for the color—plus it’s extra sweet. When I first tried splashing in non alcoholic tequila, my family seriously asked if I slipped some real stuff in. Taco night suddenly felt like a party.

Make-Ahead & Storing

These drinks are best when you mix them up fresh—the bubbles and tang really shine. If you want to prep, mix the base and stash it in the fridge for up to four hours. Only add ice and soda at the last second.

Handy Swaps

If maple syrup’s not your thing, use honey syrup or regular simple syrup. Want zero sugar? Go for monk fruit or stevia. No apple cider vinegar? Lemon juice works, or just skip it for a softer taste. If you’re out of Tajin, mix a little salt with basic chili powder for the rim.

Two bubbly pink drinks with grapefruit and lime on the table. Pin
Two bubbly pink drinks with grapefruit and lime on the table. | chefsnaps.com

Fun Ways to Serve

This drink tastes great next to tacos, grilled stuff, or crisp salads. For brunch, put a sprig of mint or a few pomegranate seeds on top to make every glass pop.

Paloma Origins

The traditional Paloma is a famous Mexican drink with tequila, lime, and grapefruit. This happy twist skips the booze but keeps all the flavor, so no one misses out. People have sipped on citrus for ages because it’s tasty and helps settle the stomach.

Recipe FAQs

→ Got a swap for maple syrup?

Grab honey syrup, classic simple syrup, monkfruit, or Stevia—whichever sweetener you like best will blend right in and still taste great.

→ Why add apple cider vinegar?

It punches up the drink with a tangy kick, making it more layered and rounding out those bright citrus flavors—no booze needed.

→ Can flavored sparkling water work here?

Yup, grapefruit or lime soda water can make it even zestier. Try different bubbly flavors and see what you love most.

→ How do I nail the salty rim?

Just swipe a wedge of citrus around the glass edge, tap it in salt or Tajin on a small plate, and press a tad so it clings for more taste and style.

→ Is it possible to prep this drink early?

Totally. Mix the main part ahead of time and chill it. Put in ice and top with soda water right before pouring so the bubbles stick around.

Paloma Grapefruit Lime

Bright grapefruit, lively lime, a touch of maple, salt, and fizz come together for a crisp, light mocktail with no booze.

Preparation Time
7 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Time
7 min
By: Dana

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Modern

Yield: 2 Servings (2 mocktails)

Dietary Preferences: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main

01 120 ml plain soda or swap for grapefruit soda if you like
02 Pinch of sea salt
03 1 ml apple cider vinegar or you can use alcohol-free tequila
04 15 ml maple syrup or your top-choice sweetener
05 30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
06 60 ml freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

→ Rim (optional)

07 Lime or grapefruit wedge for running along the glass rim
08 Salt or Tajin to coat the glass rim

Steps

Step 01

Pop a wedge of lime or grapefruit on the edge and enjoy right away.

Step 02

Pour the drink through a strainer into a glass with fresh ice. Top it off with your choice of soda if you want.

Step 03

Seal up your shaker and really shake it hard for about 15 to 20 seconds until it’s frosty and mixed up well.

Step 04

Toss grapefruit juice, lime juice, sweetener, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of salt into a shaker. Drop in 3 or 4 ice cubes and close it up.

Step 05

Put some Tajin or salt on a plate. Slide a lime or grapefruit wedge around the glass edge, then dip and twist the glass rim into the salty stuff until it sticks.

Notes

  1. Try swapping regular soda for lime bubbly water or toss in a splash more of fresh grapefruit juice for extra zing.
  2. Switch up the sweetener if you want. Honey syrup, simple syrup, Stevia, or monk fruit all work great.
  3. Apple cider vinegar gives the flavors a little twist. Non-alcoholic tequila is awesome if you want that classic cocktail vibe without alcohol.

Required Tools

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Glass or tumbler to serve
  • Measuring tools or jigger
  • Plate for your rim garnish
  • Some ice cubes
  • Strainer

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These details are for reference purposes and don't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 62
  • Fats: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15.3 g
  • Protein: 0.3 g