This refreshing, citrusy, and aromatic Rosemary Paloma Cocktail is a perfect transition cocktail as we approach the Spring.
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A traditional Paloma cocktail is the cousin to the Margarita. It uses tequila, simple syrup, fresh lime with a salted rim, but instead of triple sec; you use grapefruit soda. I have never said no to a Margarita. There is something about the tangy orange and fresh lime flavor mixed with the earthy taste of tequila and that salted rim that makes you feel like you are on vacation. Margarita’s will always be close to my heart!
But while on my honeymoon, after trying a couple of different flavored margaritas, I wanted to branch out and try something “completely different,” so I asked the bartender for a citrus drink that was slightly sweet and had tequila, and he offered a Paloma. Both he and my husband laughed at how adventurous I was, branching so far from the Margarita. I didn’t care about the teasing; I was hooked and disappointed that it took me all this time to discover this treasure.
Perfect Valentine’s Day Cocktail
Being close to Valentine’s day, I wanted to make a cocktail that was a pretty blush color, appropriate for Winter, and also a remembrance of our honeymoon, so the Rosemary Paloma Cocktail was born.
Because the Rosemary Paloma has a rosemary simple syrup with a woodsy pine flavor, it adds a layer of warmth and spice that plays perfectly with the grapefruit and makes it ideal for Winter.
How to Make the Rosemary Paloma Cocktail
This Paloma Cocktail starts with making the simple syrup. Melt the granulated sugar and water together and add fresh sprigs of rosemary and let infuse for 30 minutes or overnight, depending on how strong you want the flavor. I make a small batch of this simple syrup and store the rest in the fridge. Add the leftover rosemary simple syrup to other cocktails, homemade iced teas, or lemonades.
Line the glass’s rim with a lime wedge and then dip in salt. I mixed regular Kosher salt with pink Himalayan salt to keep the blushy theme going for this Rosemary Paloma Cocktail.
In a shaker, add ice, tequila, rosemary simple syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice, and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Shake very well.
Pour the drink into your salted rimmed glass, and fill up the rest of the way with sparkling grapefruit water. Traditionally the Paloma uses grapefruit soda, but because we are using simple syrup, I opted for sparkling water and found the sweetness was just enough. Float a thin slice of grapefruit right on the surface. I frosted the fresh rosemary by removing them from the simple syrup, shaking off the excess, and rolling them in granulated sugar. Let the rosemary dry and add to your drink as decoration. Enjoy this Rosemary Paloma Cocktail throughout the whole year.
I can’t drink alcohol with baby number two on the way, so I made the same cocktail and replaced the tequila with more sparkling water. The drink was still delicious and a perfect non-alcoholic beverage when you want something fancy.
I absolutely love a Paloma. It quickly replaced margaritas as my favorite drink while on one of my trips to Mexico. Margaritas can become too sweet after drinking a few. The Paloma is so refreshing and not quite as sweet. Can’t wait to try this one.
Hi Maureen,
I completely agree Margaritas are perfect for 1 maybe 2, but they quickly become too sweet. Hope you enjoy this Paloma and it makes you think of a vacation in Mexico!