Paloma Mocktail

What is a Paloma?

The Paloma is a Mexican cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. It is close cousins to the Margarita which has orange liqueur instead of grapefruit soda. The paloma is tart and sweet with floral notes from the grapefruit.

My recipe is the non alcoholic mocktail version. It swaps the tequila for non alcoholic tequila and the grapefruit soda for freshly squeezed juice and club soda. I also add agave syrup to really amp up the classic paloma flavors. It is authentic in flavor and a perfectly balanced mocktail. You’ll also love how…

• it’s fun to make with few, simple ingredients and equipment
• low in calories and relatively healthy (lot’s of vitamin C in this one)
• has non alcoholic tequila, not just juices
• you can easily make one or a whole pitcher

Paloma Mocktail Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to make a non alcoholic paloma. Each ingredient includes notes and recommended substitutions.

• Non Alcoholic Tequila: I use Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit, it’s my personal favorite. But keep reading because I review different zero proof tequila options so you can decide which is best for you. You can also omit this and still have a really great Paloma Mocktail.
• Grapefruit Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed juice. In a pinch you can use bottled 100% grapefruit juice.
• Lime Juice: Again, freshly squeezed tastes the best.
• Agave Syrup: Use light agave to add subtle sweetness and balance the bitter flavors. Alternatives are simple syrup or honey.
• Club Soda: This balances the flavors while giving the paloma a light and bubbly fizz. You can use tonic water, mineral water, or any other complimenting flavor sparkling water in its place.
• Optional Garnishes: grapefruit slice, lime slice, and flaky salt for the rim of the glass.

Equipment Needed

• Glassware: Palomas are typically served in highball glasses but I use low ball glasses for mine. Really you can serve it in any type of glass you prefer.
• Citrus Juicer: This makes hand juicing the grapefruit and lime so much easier. I recommend using a large handled juicer over handheld (grapefruits won’t fit in the small juicers).
• Spoon/ Stirrer: I use long handled metal ones, like these.
• Cocktail Pins: I use these to hold garnishes in place.

How to Make a Paloma Mocktail

Here’s a quick summary on how to make a non alcoholic paloma, the recipe card below will have complete details.

1. RUB THE GLASS with a lime wedge and immediately roll the rim in flaky salt.

2. POUR in non alcoholic tequila, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, lime juice, and light agave syrup. Give it a light stir before adding ice to the glass.

3. TOP IT OFF with club soda.

4. GARNISH with a grapefruit slice and lime slice.

What Is The Best Non Alcoholic Tequila?

If you are new to zero proof tequila, have no fear! I have tested quite a few and narrowed it down to my favorite three brands.

Keep in mind, all zero proof spirits are unique and some will taste better than others depending on your taste preferences. These are my honest recommendations and opinions, in no particular order.

1. Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit. It’s light and bright with citrus and agave notes. It has the peppery finish you get from alcohol, without being overwhelming on the tongue. It’s only 3 calories per serving, vegan, and allergen free.

2. Free Spirit’s Tequila. If you love mezcal, this one’s for you! It is on the smoky side with notes of agave, smoke, and dark oak. It does have vitamins B3 and B6 for energy, is naturally gluten free, and only 10 calories per serving.

3. Rital Zero Proof Tequila Alternative. This one is balance of the two above. It is citrusy and smokey with the peppery finish. It is 0 calories per serving, and the least expensive non alcoholic tequila I have found.

Not ready for zero proof tequila alternatives? No problem, just leave it out! This Paloma Mocktail tastes great without non alcoholic tequila.

Mixology Tips for the BEST Paloma Mocktail

Taste test and adjust. Making mocktails at home means you can taste, adjust, and find a balance of flavors perfect for you. For a sweeter paloma, add more light agave syrup. If you want it tart, squeeze another half lime over the top. For a tequila forward paloma, add another splash of zero proof tequila.

Make a pitcher of palomas for a crowd. Easily scale this recipe to as many servings as you would like. This mocktail is great for bridal showers, birthdays, baby showers, Cinco de Mayo, or whenever.

Spice is life! I love this recipe as written, but it is also great with a jalapeno kick. Add Jalapeno Simple Syrup in place of the agave or add a few slices of jalapeno to the grapefruit juice 15 minutes before making your paloma.