Our refreshing Rosemary Paloma is infused with rosemary syrup, sweetened lime juice, tequila, and ruby red grapefruit, shaken and strained over crushed ice.
It is topped with chilled sparkling grapefruit. Cheers!
You can find the recipe in the recipe card below.
Rosemary Paloma Cocktail
Paloma anyone? But wait, our version of this classic grapefruit drink is slightly different.
For starters, it is infused with a simple rosemary syrup with summertime written all over it.
We also used sweetened lime juice instead of plain lime juice. There’s also blanco tequila and ruby red grapefruit juice!
Then, the whole affair is shaken, strained, and served over crushed ice.
Next, top with chilled sparkling grapefruit.
Serve with a sprig of rosemary and a wedge of ruby red grapefruit, and you’re good to go!
These adjustments make for a Rosemary Paloma cocktail that is too good to say no to! Trust!
What You Will Need:
Tequila. When it comes to making a Paloma, you’ll need tequila. I used Blanco tequila for this recipe, but it’s not a die-hard rule. You can also use Anejo or Reposado tequila too! For a smokier flavor, I highly recommend a good mezcal.
Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice. Most Paloma drink recipes only call for grapefruit soda, and surely you can go that route. But I find using a little ruby red grapefruit makes for a grape-fruitier-tasting cocktail. It’s a nice touch. Feel free to add store-bought or fresh-squeezed grapefruit; they both work.
Rosemary Simple Syrup. Adding rosemary simple syrup to this cocktail gives it an elevated herbal twist, perfect for summertime sipping. Find the recipe below.
Sweetened Lime Juice. We deviated from the classic Paloma ingredients by adding sweetened lime juice instead of fresh lime juice. They both work, but sweetened lime juice makes for a richer taste with a pronounced sour sweetness.
Sparking Grapefruit. There are two (2) reasons I prefer using a sparkling grapefruit rather than a grapefruit soda. One, the taste of sparkling grapefruit isn’t cloying, and they have great color.
Blanco Tequila Paloma with Rosemary
1 Serving
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 – 2 ounces Blanco tequila
- 1-ounce ruby red grapefruit juice
- 3/4 ounce rosemary syrup
- 1/2 ounce sweetened lime juice
- 3 ounces of grapefruit soda or sparkling grapefruit
Here are the glasses we used: Crystal Highball Glass Glassware Set
Directions:
- Combine fresh ice, 1 1/2 – 2 ounces of tequila, 1 oz of ruby red grapefruit juice, 3/4 oz of rosemary syrup, and 1/2 oz of sweetened lime juice into a cocktail shaker.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a Tom Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with 3 ounces of sparkling grapefruit.
- Garnish with a fresh spring of rosemary and a wedge of ripe ruby red grapefruit.
- Serve.
I only have Anejo tequila. Can I use it in this recipe?
Absolutely, yes! The longer tequila is aged, the richer and more pronounced the flavor is, and when it comes to this and other cocktails, it is a good thing. If you want to switch it, try one of the following:
- Blanco * aged two (2) months but typically less than a year
- Reposado * aged two to twelve (2-12) months
- Rosa Blanco aged two (2) months but typically less than a year
- Rosa Reposado * aged two to twelve (2-12) months
- Añejo * age one (1) to three (3) years
- Extra Añejo * aged over three (3) years
- Mezcal *Mezcal had three traditional styles: Joven, Reposado, and Añejo. Joven, like Blanco tequila, is aged around two (2) months.
I do not like the taste of tequila. Can I use another spirit?
Of course, traditionally, the substitution for tequila in a Paloma mixed drink is vodka. Try one of the following:
- white or gold rum
- gin
How can I make this Paloma into a Mocktail version?
You can take out the tequila and replace it with a non-alcoholic tequila version.
Here are a few choices we recommend:
RITUAL ZERO PROOF Tequila Alternative
Where can I buy rosemary simple syrup?
Chances are you won’t find this in the supermarket. But here is an easy recipe to make at home:
How to Make Rosemary Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 cup sugar *You can also use other types of sugar to enhance the flavor. I recommend turbinado sugar or demerara sugar.
Directions:
- Combine the ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Allow the mixture to boil and cook for about 1 minute.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- When the mixture has cooled to room temperature, strain the rosemary simple syrup into a clean, sterilized container, such as a Mason jar or a similar container with a clamp lid.
- Use right away, or store in the refrigerator. The syrup will keep for up to two (2) weeks.
I don’t like the taste of rosemary. Are there other herbs I can use to make an infused simple syrup?
Yes, you can use two (2) to three (3) tablespoons of the following herbs:
- Basil
- French tarragon
- Lavender
- Marjoram
- Mint
- Oregano
- Thyme
What is the National Cocktail of Mexico?
The traditional Poloma is the national cocktail of Mexico. This classic cocktail proves to be one of those favorite drinks that everyone enjoys.
What is the difference between a Paloma and a Cantarito?
While both are good drinks, there is a difference between the two.
We’ve already discussed the refreshing Paloma, and the Cantarito cocktail uses the same ingredients but adds a touch of orange juice or lemon juice.
This adds an aromatic twist and a more citrus flavor than the traditional Paloma.
What is the best grapefruit soda to use for this recipe?
Here are my favorite grapefruit sodas or sparkling drinks:
- Fever Tree Sparkling Grapefruit
- Izze Sparkling Grapefruit Juice
- Whole Foods Market Pink Grapefruit Italian Soda
- AVEC Grapefruit & Pomelo Soda & Mixer
If you’re already a grapefruit fan, get into our Rosemary Palomo, but not because I said so, never that.
Mix this one up because it’s the perfect citrus sip on a hot summertime day.
Cheers!
Can I make this Paloma Cocktail recipe in advance?
It’s best to make this tequila cocktail fresh for the best flavor and taste.
You can mix the fresh grapefruit juice or grapefruit-flavored soda right before serving and add a lime wedge for a fun twist and pop.
The best part about this grapefruit rosemary Paloma is that it’s a fast and simple drink recipe that provides a balanced cocktail to enjoy no matter what setting or meal you’re pairing it with.
Check out these cocktail recipes:
Rosemary Paloma Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 ounces Blanco tequila
- 1 ounce ruby red grapefruit juice
- 3/4 ounce rosemary syrup
- 1/2 ounce sweetened lime juice
- 3 ounces grapefruit soda or sparkling grapefruit
Instructions
- Combine fresh ice, 1 1/2 - 2 ounces of tequila, 1 oz of ruby red grapefruit juice, 3/4 oz of rosemary syrup, and 1/2 oz of sweetened lime juice into a cocktail shaker.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a Tom Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with 3 ounces of sparkling grapefruit.
- Garnish with a fresh spring of rosemary and a wedge of ripe ruby red grapefruit.
- Serve.
Notes
How to Make Rosemary Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 cup sugar *You can also use other types of sugar to enhance the flavor. I recommend turbinado sugar or demerara sugar.
Directions:
- Combine the ingredients in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Allow the mixture to boil and cook for about 1 minute.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- When the mixture has cooled to room temperature, strain the rosemary simple syrup into a clean, sterilized container, such as a Mason jar or a similar container with a clamp lid.
- Use right away, or store in the refrigerator. The syrup will keep for up to two (2) weeks.
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