The classic paloma - there's no better drink for those who love grapefruit and citrus. That is, unless you're living a sober life or are exploring the sober curious lifestyle. Then, the traditional paloma isn't as alluring. The good news is that the modern cocktail world has plenty of alternative nonalcoholic paloma mocktail styles to pick from. Now, the hardest part is deciding where to start.
Paloma Mocktail Recipe
No special ingredients needed here - just what you'd find at your grocery store. Whether you schedule a pickup or do the shopping yourself, don't forget to add these ingredients to your list.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice
- ¾ ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce agave syrup
- Ice
- Grapefruit soda to top off
- Grapefruit slice and thyme sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into a rocks or highball glass over fresh ice.
- Top off with grapefruit soda.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice and thyme sprig.
Nonalcoholic Paloma Mocktail
All you need to channel the traditional paloma is some nonalcoholic silver tequila. How easy is that? Now you can spend more time binging a new show. Cut the calories by using a grapefruit club soda or plain club soda instead!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces nonalcoholic silver tequila
- 1½ ounces freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice
- ¾ ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
- Ice
- Grapefruit soda to top off
- Grapefruit slice and thyme sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a highball glass, add ice, nonalcoholic silver tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice.
- Stir to mix.
- Top off with grapefruit soda.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice and thyme sprig.
I recommend the CleanCo zero-proof silver tequila as a 1:1 replacement for regular tequila in your paloma. If you want to learn more about working with zero proof spirits, I offer tons of tips and recipes showing how to use nonalcoholic spirits.
Spicy Virgin Paloma Mocktail
Muddle a few jalapeño coins to turn this juicy and refreshing mocktail up to a five. Take it easy on how many jalapeño coins you use, this mocktail gets spicy pretty quickly.
Ingredients
- 1-3 jalapeño coins
- 2 ounces nonalcoholic silver tequila, optional
- 2 ounces freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice
- ¾ ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice
- ¾ ounce agave syrup
- Ice
- Grapefruit soda to top off
- Grapefruit slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle jalapeño coins with agave syrup.
- Add ice, grapefruit juice, and lime juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Top off with grapefruit soda.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
While tourists in Mexico go mad for margaritas, locals are more likely to choose the paloma as their drink of choice. So if you want to sip like a local when you visit Mexico, order a classic or virgin paloma.
Nonalcoholic Paloma Mocktail Pitcher
Whether you're hosting, bringing this to a party, or believe in meal prepping for mocktail happy hour, a pitcher of virgin palomas is the way to go. The recipe makes approximately six servings.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups nonalcoholic silver tequila, optional
- 1¼ cups freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice
- ½ cup freshly-squeezed lime juice
- ⅛ cup agave syrup
- Ice
- Grapefruit soda to top off, approximately a liter
- Grapefruit slice and rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, add ice, nonalcoholoic tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave.
- Stir to mix.
- Top off with grapefruit soda.
- Stir gently.
- Serve in rocks glasses over fresh ice.
- Garnish each with a grapefruit slice and rosemary sprig.
Popping Nonalcoholic Bottles for Pink Palomas
Pop bottles of grapefruit soda and nonalcoholic tequila. Don't let anything hold you back from living your paloma dreams today. With or without a tequila substitute, your taste buds will be tickled as pink as the classic.
