Introduction

This Easy Grapefruit Mocktail, inspired by the classic Virgin Paloma, is a refreshing and flavorful non-alcoholic drink perfect for any occasion. Featuring bright grapefruit and lime juice balanced with rosemary-infused sweetness, it’s simple to make and delicious to sip.

Two clear, short glasses filled with a light pink drink and ice cubes sit on white round coasters on a white marbled surface. Each glass has three visible fruit slices: a large red grapefruit slice on one side, a lime slice beside it, and a lemon wedge perched on the rim. A small sprig of green rosemary sticks up from each glass, adding a fresh look. Around the glasses on the surface are scattered ice cubes, a lime slice, and a grapefruit wedge, while a soft white cloth lies to the left. The background is a soft pale pink. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For Rosemary Simple Syrup:
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup water
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
For Each Grapefruit Mocktail:
- 4 oz. fresh grapefruit juice (1/2 cup)
- 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon)
- 1/2–3/4 oz. rosemary simple syrup or agave (1–1 1/2 tablespoons)
- 2–4 oz. club soda or sparkling water (1/4–1/2 cup)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Grapefruit slices
- Lime wedges
- Sugar or salt rim

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the rosemary thoroughly in cool water, keeping the sprigs large if possible.
Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers gently—do not boil.
Step 3: Add the rosemary sprigs to the hot syrup, turn off the heat, and let steep for 10–20 minutes or up to 1 hour for a stronger flavor.
Step 4: Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove rosemary. Store in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Step 5: To make the mocktail, fill a glass with ice.
Step 6: Add grapefruit juice, lime juice, and rosemary simple syrup or agave to the glass. Stir gently to combine without the sparkling water to preserve fizz.
Step 7: Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, adding more syrup or agave to balance tartness.
Step 8: Top off the glass with club soda or sparkling water.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, grapefruit slices, lime wedges, or a sugar or salt rim as desired. Enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

If not making rosemary simple syrup, muddle fresh rosemary in the glass with plain simple syrup or agave to release its oils and flavor.
Adjust the amount of syrup or agave depending on the tartness of the grapefruit juice you use.
For a more festive touch, rim the glass with sugar or salt before assembling the drink.

Storage

Store any leftover rosemary simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The prepared mocktail is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in the fridge for a few hours. If refrigerated, stir gently before serving and add fresh sparkling water to restore fizz.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a halved pink grapefruit with bright red flesh and light yellow peel in the front left, a partly sliced lime with light green skin and pale green inner fruit to the right, and a small wedge of grapefruit placed in front of the lime. Behind the fruit, there is a clear glass bottle filled with light amber liquid and a green rosemary branch inside, capped with a white stopper. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, scattered around with thin lime and grapefruit slices, and a glass of pink grapefruit drink partially in view in the background. A white cloth is softly draped in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled grapefruit juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled grapefruit juice can be used, but fresh juice offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor and less bitterness.

How long does the rosemary simple syrup keep?

When stored in the fridge in an airtight container, rosemary simple syrup stays fresh for up to 2 weeks.