Easy Grapefruit Mocktail (Virgin Paloma) Recipe
A refreshing and easy-to-make grapefruit mocktail featuring a fragrant rosemary simple syrup, fresh grapefruit and lime juices, and sparkling water. This virgin Paloma-inspired drink is perfect for a light, flavorful, and alcohol-free beverage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 mocktail 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Make Rosemary Simple Syrup: Wash fresh rosemary sprigs thoroughly and keep them whole. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water, stirring over medium heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers gently without boiling.
- Steep Rosemary: Add rosemary sprigs to the hot syrup, turn off the heat, and steep for 10 to 20 minutes or up to 1 hour for a stronger flavor.
- Strain Simple Syrup: Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove rosemary. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prepare Mocktail Base: Fill a glass with ice. Combine fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and rosemary simple syrup (or agave) in the glass. Stir gently to mix without the sparkling water.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and add more simple syrup or agave if the grapefruit juice is too tart or bitter.
- Add Sparkling Water: Top the glass off with club soda or sparkling water to add fizz and lighten the drink.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, grapefruit slices, lime wedges, or sugar/salt rim as desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Try muddling fresh rosemary in the glass to release essential oils if using plain simple syrup or agave instead of rosemary-infused syrup.
- The rosemary simple syrup can be made in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by varying the amount of syrup or agave.
- Use freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juice for the best flavor.
- This mocktail is a great refreshing non-alcoholic alternative for all ages.
Keywords: grapefruit mocktail, virgin paloma, rosemary simple syrup, non-alcoholic drink, refreshing beverage, easy mocktail, summer drinks
