Rosemary Paloma (NA or Classic)
This refreshing, rosemary-infused twist on the classic Paloma is equally well suited to a holiday gathering or warm summer night — enjoy alcohol-free or serve with tequila for a traditional cocktail.
Ingredients
For the Rosemary Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup (2oz) water
- ½ cup (96g) granulated sugar
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (about 4 inches long)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For the drink:
- 4 ounces grapefruit flavored sparkling water - For version with alcohol, use 2 ounces each sparkling water and tequila
- 2 ounces grapefruit juice
- ¾ ounce Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
Optional sugared rim and garnishes:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon tajín or chili-lime seasoning
- rosemary sprig, grapefruit and/or lime wheel
Instructions
- For the Rosemary Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the water, sugar, rosemary, and salt to a simmer. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit for 30-60 minutes. This allows the rosemary to more fully infuse the syrup. Remove rosemary and discard. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate until ready to use. The syrup will keep for at least 2 weeks.
- If using the sugared rim: In a shallow bowl or plate, mix the sugar and tajín or chili-lime seasoning. Swipe around the rim of a Collins or rocks glass with a grapefruit or lime wedge; reserve wedge for serving. Roll the rim of the glass in the sugar mixture to lightly coat.
- Make the drink: Fill glass with ice. Add the sparkling water, grapefruit juice, tequila if using, rosemary syrup, and lime juice. Stir to combine. Garnish with citrus and/or rosemary sprig and enjoy.
Notes
Freshly-squeezed or bottled juice? I've used both. Bottled is often sweeter, while fresh-squeezed tends to be a tarter. There will also be a difference based on variety of grapefruit – yellow, pink, or ruby red. Feel free to use a little more or less syrup and/or lime juice to suit your taste. For a more fruit-forward drink, prepare with 3 ounces each juice and sparkling water.
Prefer a bolder rosemary flavor? You can gently muddle a rosemary sprig in the glass before adding the liquid to release its essential oils and give the drink a stronger, more pronounced herbal flavor and aroma. Rosemary is a pungent herb though, so take care not to over-muddle, which can also bring out a grassy or bitter flavor.
If you prefer an alcoholic version but don't care for tequila or simply enjoy variety, gin and vodka pair well with this drink too. In this case, lemon juice offers a nice alternative to the lime juice.
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