Here’s a bright, herb-forward take on a classic Paloma: the Skinny Rosemary Paloma. Light, refreshing, and slightly effervescent, this version uses a rosemary-infused simple syrup to give the cocktail a subtle savory note that pairs beautifully with fresh grapefruit and lime. It’s an ideal drink for spring gatherings, brunches, or summer afternoons by the pool, and it’s easy to batch for a crowd.
The Paloma is traditionally made with tequila, lime, and grapefruit soda, served over ice with a lime wedge. This Skinny Rosemary Paloma keeps the bright citrus foundation but swaps the soda for a splash of brut cava (or sparkling water) for elegant bubbles, and uses a lightly sweetened rosemary simple syrup to balance the tartness. You can easily substitute vodka instead of tequila or Topo Chico for sparkling water depending on preference.
Ingredients:
- For the rosemary simple syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup monkfruit sweetener or cane sugar
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- For the Paloma:
- 2 cups good blanco tequila (or substitute vodka)
- 2 cups freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup rosemary simple syrup
- Salt for rimming glasses (optional)
- Brut cava or champagne to top each glass (or Topo Chico / preferred sparkling water)
- 1 grapefruit, thinly sliced into half-moons for garnish
Step-by-Step:
Step One: Make the Rosemary Simple Syrup
Combine the water and monkfruit sweetener (or cane sugar) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until the sweetener dissolves, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat, add the rosemary sprigs, and let them steep as the syrup cools for about 20 minutes. Taste once cooled; if you want a stronger herb note, let the rosemary steep a bit longer. Strain out the rosemary and store the syrup in the refrigerator until ready to use. The syrup will keep for several days chilled, making it a great make-ahead element.
Step Two: Mix the Cocktail
In a large pitcher or carafe, combine the tequila (or vodka), freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, and the cooled rosemary simple syrup. Stir well to blend the flavors. This recipe is intentionally batched so you can mix it in advance and keep it chilled until serving—perfect for parties and larger groups.
Step Three: Garnish and Serve
If you like, salt the rim of each glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it into salt. Fill each glass with ice and add a thin grapefruit half-moon into the glass. Pour the tequila mixture to about three-quarters full, then top with a splash of brut cava, champagne, or sparkling water for bubbles and lift. Finish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary tucked into the drink as a garnish. Serve immediately.
The end result is a bright, balanced cocktail with floral-citrus notes from the grapefruit and lime, a gentle sweetness from the simple syrup, and an aromatic, savory edge from the rosemary. Because it’s batched, this Paloma is an excellent choice for brunches or relaxed outdoor dinners. It pours easily into glasses, looks beautiful with the grapefruit slices and rosemary sprigs, and the bubbles make it feel celebratory without being heavy.
Tips & Variations
- Make the rosemary simple syrup a day ahead to save time. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.
- Swap vodka for tequila if you prefer a cleaner spirit profile.
- Use Topo Chico or another sparkling water to keep the drink lower in alcohol while maintaining effervescence.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup to taste; fresh grapefruit juice varies in tartness seasonally.
- To serve a smaller group, scale the recipe down proportionally: the recipe below yields approximately 15 cocktails when poured in standard lowball portions; total time about 30 minutes, including cooling.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by some recipe tools and should be considered an approximation. This cocktail is best enjoyed responsibly.
Want more cocktail ideas?
Try other grapefruit-forward and refreshing drinks like Batched Cosmopolitans, a Grapefruit Margarita, or a Green Flash Cocktail—each makes a great companion to this rosemary-infused Paloma.
Recipe at a glance: Total time: 30 minutes. Servings: about 15 cocktails when batched as directed. Author: Alex Snodgrass.