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–+ servings
Easy Virgin Paloma Recipe

Virgin Paloma

iamwinfred
This refreshing Virgin Paloma is a vibrant non-alcoholic twist on Mexico's beloved grapefruit cocktail. With fresh grapefruit juice, lime, and a salted rim, it captures all the citrusy brightness of the classic without the tequila—perfect for brunches, parties, or any time you want a sophisticated mocktail.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 2 servings
Calories 85 kcal

Equipment

  • Highball glasses 2 glasses, 12-14 oz each
  • Citrus juicer
  • Small plate For salt rim
  • Knife For cutting citrus

Ingredients
  

For the Rim

  • 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1 lime wedge for rimming glasses

For the Drink

  • 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice 240ml, preferably pink or ruby red grapefruit
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 30ml, from about 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons simple syrup 30ml, or agave nectar, adjust to taste
  • 3/4 cup sparkling water 180ml, chilled
  • ice cubes

For Garnish

  • 2 grapefruit slices or lime wheels
  • fresh mint sprigs optional

Instructions
 

  • Pour coarse salt onto a small plate. Run the lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rim into the salt to coat.
  • Fill each prepared glass with ice cubes.
  • In each glass, combine half the grapefruit juice, half the lime juice, and half the simple syrup. Stir gently to mix.
  • Top each glass with sparkling water and give a gentle stir to combine.
  • Garnish with grapefruit slices and fresh mint sprigs if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice makes a huge difference—avoid bottled juice if possible for the best flavor.
  • You can use pink grapefruit, ruby red, or white grapefruit depending on your preference for sweetness and color.
  • Adjust sweetness to taste—start with less simple syrup if your grapefruit is particularly sweet.
  • For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salt rim or muddle a jalapeño slice in the glass.
  • Make it a batch: multiply ingredients by number of servings and mix in a pitcher, adding sparkling water just before serving.
  • The drink is best served immediately while the sparkling water is still fizzy and cold.
  • Substitute club soda or seltzer water for sparkling water—they work equally well.
  • For a sweeter version, use grapefruit soda (like Jarritos Toronja) instead of sparkling water.
  • Try a Tajín-rimmed glass instead of plain salt for authentic Mexican flavor.
  • Store leftover grapefruit juice in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; add sparkling water fresh when ready to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 1gSodium: 2920mgPotassium: 230mgSugar: 19gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 85mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 1mg
Keyword citrus refresher, grapefruit drink, mocktail, non-alcoholic, virgin paloma
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