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These Zesty Paloma Mocktails give you a blast of citrus in every sip. They've got all the bold tangy flavor fans of grapefruit crave, but leave the booze out. You can throw them together fast and they're a crowd hit—just boost the amounts and have a whole batch ready in no time. That mix of sweet, bitter, and a little salty makes 'em totally crave-worthy.
When I poured these for my friends the first time, they honestly couldn’t tell they were booze-free. Nobody could get enough. Now, anytime I need something easy that everyone will love, this is my summer fix. Absolutely no drama!
Vibrant Ingredients
- Sparkling soda: Brings in the bubbles! Try grapefruit soda for extra zing, but classic sparkling water—plain or with a citrus twist—works too.
- Sea salt: Pops the flavor. Sprinkle in a little at a time and taste as you go. Both fine and flaky are great.
- Salt or Tajin for the rim: Gives every sip a zippy, tangy start. Tajin adds a bit of chili if you want a punch of heat.
- Maple syrup: Adds a gentle sweetness without stealing the show. Amber maple’s rich, but honey or agave swap in nicely.
- Lime juice: Brightens things up and balances out the bitter. Only squeeze it fresh—skip the bottled stuff.
- Apple cider vinegar: Gives a tiny hint of tart bite. If you have non-alcoholic tequila, go for it to add that classic finish.
- Grapefruit juice: Packs fruity punch and pretty color. Pick up red or pink grapefruits that feel heavy—they’re loaded with juice.
Easy Step-by-Step
- Finish Things Off:
- Pour the chilled mix into your rimmed glass over new ice. Fill up with fizzy soda of your choice. Try the mocktail—add a little syrup or juice if you want more sweet or tang. Pop a lime wedge or maybe a slice of grapefruit on top to make it look fancy.
- Make It Cold and Sweet:
- Pour in your maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and just a shake of sea salt. Toss in a couple ice cubes to get it cold. Close it up and shake for fifteen to twenty seconds until it’s icy outside and all combined.
- Get Juicy:
- Tip your fresh-squeezed grapefruit and lime juice into a shaker. If you don’t have one, a mason jar or even a water bottle with a tight lid is perfect. The juices are everything, so measure with care.
- Set Up Your Rim:
- Pour a little salt or Tajin onto a saucer. Take a wedge of lime or grapefruit, run it around the edge of the glass just outside. Dip the rim in your salt or Tajin so it’s all nicely coated. Definitely do this first so nothing drips while you’re making the drink.
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What I love most is how grapefruit juice totally lights up this drink. It delivers all the flavor and brings that pretty punch of color. The salty rim takes me straight back to hanging out in Mexico with family, sharing these drinks by the waves. Every glass feels sunny and full of laughs.
How to Keep It Fresh
If you set up the juice, syrup, and vinegar base ahead, just chill it for up to a day. Only add soda right before you pour so it stays bubbly. You can prep the salted glasses a few hours before—the citrus in the juice helps the salt stay put.
Switch it Up
If you’re out of maple syrup, grab honey, simple syrup, or agave. Want even bolder citrus? Try blood orange or pink pomelo instead of grapefruit. Guests need it sugar-free? Use monkfruit blends or stevia—they work great here.
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Serving Ideas
On blazing days, pile on crushed ice for a frosty treat. Slip in some thin lime or grapefruit rounds for that classic cocktail vibe. These are perfect at brunch or whenever you want a festive, alcohol-free toast on warm afternoons.
Inspired by Mexico
Palomas come from Mexico, famous for joining grapefruit soda and tequila. This spin keeps the fun flavors and cool look, but is totally booze-free—so everyone’s in on the fun. The Tajin rim brings that awesome spicy kick you find in street drinks there.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Is bottled grapefruit juice okay to use?
If you can go with fresh juice, it’ll taste way brighter, but bottled is totally fine if that’s what you’ve got. Look for brands without sweeteners added if you can.
- → What could I use instead of maple syrup?
You can swap in honey syrup, monkfruit, simple syrup, or even stevia. Each one brings its own kind of sweetness to the drink.
- → Do I really have to use apple cider vinegar?
The vinegar brings a sharp edge, but you can skip it if you’re not a fan. Or splash in some non-alcoholic tequila for more of that classic flavor!
- → How do I prep these ahead for a bunch of people?
Just multiply everything and stir it up in a big pitcher. Right before you serve, toss in ice and pour in the fizzy soda so it stays bubbly.
- → What’s a fun way to decorate the drinks?
You can pop a grapefruit or lime wedge on the rim. For a special touch, salt or Tajin on your glasses makes them look extra cool.