Spicy Paloma Mocktails
Spicy Paloma Mocktails
Serve bright and punchy glasses of Spicy Paloma Mocktails with fresh grapefruit, jalapeños, and lime juice for a refreshing adult beverage without the booze.
What is a Paloma?
Palomas are a classic adult drink that's making a big comeback these days. Traditionally, Palomas are made with tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda (like Fresca).
I wanted to make a healthier and alcohol-free version. So I replaced the soda with fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and sparkling water (or ginger beer). The result is a healthier drink that's delicious before dinner, in the afternoon, or really any time!
Ingredients for Spicy Paloma Mocktails
Here's what you need to make these fruit and spicy mocktails:
- Grapefruits. Choose big, juicy, and heavy fruit to get the most juice from them for your mocktails.
- Lime. Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
- Strawberries. These add natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the citrus.
- Jalapeño. Remove the seeds for less spice in your drink.
- Raw honey. If you'd like to make these drinks vegan or use a different sweetener, start with my guide to The Best Healthy Sugar Alternatives + Substitutes.
- Ginger beer. Or use sparkling water for a less sweet flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these fruity drinks with plenty of edible garnishes. I like adding fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, as well as juicy grapefruit wedges, sliced strawberries, and more sliced jalapeños.
Adding Alcohol to Spicy Paloma Mocktails
If some people at your party want to make traditional Palomas with alcohol, it's easy to do. Just add an ounce of tequila to each glass.
Big-Batch Spicy Paloma Mocktails
If you'd like to make one recipe that feeds a crowd, simply scale up the recipe using the same proportions. Then you can serve up an ice-cold pitcher of non-alcoholic Palomas for kids and adults at your next party.
More Healthy Mocktail Recipes
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Spicy Paloma Mocktails
Ingredients
MOCKTAIL:
- 2 large grapefruits, roasted + freshly-squeezed
- 1 lime, freshly-squeezed
- Sliced strawberries
- ½ jalapeño, chopped
- ¼ cup raw honey
- ginger beer or sparkling water, for topping
- Crushed ice
GARNISH:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Grapefruit wedges
- Sliced strawberries
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
TO ROAST THE GRAPEFRUIT:
- Follow the instructions on how to broil the grapefruit before making the mocktail.
TO MAKE THE MOCKTAILS:
- In a bowl, add the chopped jalapeños and sliced strawberries along with the juice of the broiled grapefruit and lime juice, mulling (crushing) it together until jalapeños and strawberries are mostly broken down. Add the honey and stir until incorporated. Add a pinch of sea salt for heightened flavor. NOTE: Add additional sweetener if needed.
- ASSEMBLY: For each drink, fill an 4 or 8-ounce glass halfway with crushed ice. Add ½ cup of the mocktail mixture. Garnish with grapefruit wedges, chopped jalapeños, sliced strawberries and lime wedges, and top with ginger beer (or another fizz-like drink) until filled completely. Add a thyme sprig, if desired.
- Sip and Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed jar for up to a week.
- SWEETENER: Instead of honey, you can always use Agave or maple syrup or create a simple syrup by boiling water with organic cane sugar to sweeten.
- GRAPEFRUIT: If preferred, you don't have to broil the grapefruit and just use regular grapefruit.
- SERVING: To make additional mocktails, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need.
Nutrition
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Spicy Paloma Mocktails.
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