Looking for a cocktail that actually makes you want to sit outside and linger a while? The Grapefruit Rosemary Paloma is a fresh, slightly fancy twist on the classic Mexican drink.

It’s simple, but it feels elevated—fresh grapefruit juice, a splash of lime, tequila, and a hint of rosemary. Citrus and herbal notes play together, with just enough sweetness to tie it all up.

The color alone—vivid pink—makes it a showstopper in the glass. Whether you’re at a backyard BBQ or trying to impress at a dinner party, you can batch this cocktail for a crowd or just shake up a single glass for yourself on a sunny afternoon.

Rosemary’s aroma really lifts this drink and gives it a signature feel. I’ve had people ask for the recipe long after the party’s over.

There aren’t many ingredients, but the flavor’s huge—kind of the whole point of a good cocktail, right?

Grapefruit Rosemary Paloma Cocktail Recipe

This one’s all about tangy grapefruit, bright lime, and that whisper of rosemary, all anchored by good tequila. It’s a riff on the Paloma, but with a little more flair.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring cup
Muddler

Citrus juicer
Cocktail glasses
Bar spoon

Fine-mesh strainer
Cutting Board
Sharp knife

Ingredients

2 oz silver tequila
3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1 oz fresh lime juice

1/2 oz rosemary simple syrup
Sparkling water
Ice cubes

Grapefruit wedges for garnish
Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Salt for rimming optional

For rosemary simple syrup:

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
4 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

Prepare the rosemary simple syrup:

Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir until the sugar dissolves. No need to rush.
Add rosemary sprigs and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Take it off the heat and let the rosemary steep for half an hour.
Strain it out and pop the syrup in the fridge to cool.

Rim your glass (optional):

Rub a grapefruit wedge around the rim of your glass.

Dip the edge in salt if you’re feeling fancy.

Mix the cocktail:

Fill your shaker with ice.
Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and rosemary simple syrup.

Shake it hard for 15-20 seconds, until it’s nice and cold.
Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.

Finish the drink:

Top with sparkling water—an ounce or two is usually enough.

Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a grapefruit wedge.
Give it a gentle stir before you take a sip.

Notes

Want it less sweet? Just use a quarter ounce of syrup instead. If you’re craving more rosemary, muddle a little sprig in the shaker before adding everything else.

No tequila? Skip it and add extra sparkling water for a zero-proof version. The rosemary syrup keeps in the fridge (airtight) for up to two weeks—handy for quick cocktails later.

Making these for a crowd? Multiply the recipe and mix everything except the sparkling water ahead of time. Add the bubbles right before you serve.

Tall glasses make it feel extra refreshing, but rocks glasses work great if you want it a bit stronger.

Must Have Ingredients

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Tasting Notes

The Grapefruit Rosemary Paloma hits you first with bright, juicy grapefruit. There’s a little tartness, but it’s not overwhelming.

Then comes this gentle agave sweetness—never syrupy, just enough to balance the citrus. The combo keeps things interesting.

Rosemary’s piney aroma floats through each sip. It’s subtle, but it makes the drink feel special, not just another Paloma.

Tequila adds warmth and a bit of backbone, but it doesn’t take over. Blanco tequila is my go-to here; its clean flavor lets the grapefruit shine.

Flavor Profile Breakdown:

Initial taste: Punchy citrus, a hint of bitter grapefruit

Mid-palate: Sweet agave, herbal rosemary
Finish: Soft tequila warmth, rosemary lingering

Sparkling water brings a crisp, bubbly lift to the whole thing. It’s light and effervescent, not heavy at all.

A salt rim? Totally worth it. It makes the grapefruit pop and keeps you coming back for another sip.

If you serve it ice-cold, you’ll get the best experience. As the ice melts, the flavors mellow and blend together in a really satisfying way.

Substitutes

Don’t have all the ingredients for a Grapefruit Rosemary Paloma? No problem!

Here are some easy swaps that work well.

For the grapefruit juice, you can just use pink grapefruit juice from the store. Or, if that’s not around, try a mix of orange and lime juice—about 2 parts orange to 1 part lime.

Fresh rosemary can be replaced with:

Dried rosemary (just use a third as much—it’s stronger)
Fresh thyme
Fresh basil

No tequila? There are options:

Mezcal (if you want a smoky kick—some people love it, some not so much)
Vodka (for something milder, honestly it’s not bad)

White rum

Soda water substitutions:

Grapefruit soda (just go easy on any added sugar)

Sprite or 7-Up
Tonic water (it’ll make things sweeter, which could be nice or not, depending)

For a non-alcoholic version, swap out the tequila with:

Extra soda water
Grapefruit-flavored sparkling water
Non-alcoholic spirit alternatives (if you’re into those)

The salt rim is flexible too—kosher salt, sea salt, or even a salt-sugar mix if you want it a little sweet.

Grapefruit Rosemary Paloma Cocktail Recipe