Paloma With Grapefruit And Thyme Cocktail Recipe

A Paloma with grapefruit and thyme gives a clean, bright twist to the classic cocktail. The mix of tart grapefruit, smooth tequila, and fresh thyme strikes a balance that just feels refreshing and simple.

You can whip up this drink at home with just a few ingredients and some basic tools.

I really enjoy how the thyme brings a light herbal note that makes each sip a bit more interesting, but doesn’t overpower the citrus. It’s honestly a great drink for relaxing on a warm afternoon or sharing at a small get-together.

Once you try it, you’ll notice how the flavors come together in a way that’s both crisp and natural.

Paloma With Grapefruit And Thyme Cocktail Recipe

I love how this drink balances the tartness of grapefruit with the herbal notes of thyme. The combination of tequila, citrus, and sparkling water makes it crisp and honestly pretty refreshing.

Perfect for warm days or just casual evenings.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker for mixing everything together
• Jigger to measure out your tequila, lime juice, and syrup
• Bar spoon for stirring and layering
• Fine strainer to catch stray thyme leaves or pulp
• Citrus juicer for squeezing fresh juice
• Small plate for salting the rim
• Rocks glass or highball glass for serving
• Ice cubes to chill things down
• Small saucepan if you decide to make thyme-infused simple syrup

I like to have everything within reach before I start so things move along smoothly.

Ingredients

• 2 oz silver tequila or blanco tequila
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup or agave nectar (adjust as you like)
• 2 oz sparkling water or grapefruit soda
• Pinch of salt for the rim
• Ice cubes for shaking and serving
• 1 small thyme sprig for garnish
• Optional: swap in reposado tequila or mezcal for a deeper flavor

I usually go for tequila blanco because it keeps the drink light, but if you want something richer, reposado works well too.

Instructions

• Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then dip it in salt.
• Toss some ice into your cocktail shaker.
• Pour in the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
• Shake it up for about 10 seconds, just until it’s chilled.
• Strain into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top off with sparkling water or grapefruit soda.
• Give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with a small thyme sprig or a thin slice of grapefruit.

I try not to shake too hard—just enough to keep the drink a little frothy but not watered down.

Notes

I always reach for fresh grapefruit juice since bottled juice just doesn’t taste the same. If you’re into a smoky vibe, swap in mezcal for a fun twist.

If you want it less sweet, skip the syrup and let the grapefruit soda do the work. The salt rim is totally up to you—just a light coat keeps everything balanced.

When I make this for friends, I’ll sometimes prep a thyme-infused simple syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with a few thyme sprigs, then letting it cool. That little herbal finish really works with the grapefruit.

Tasting Notes

Right away, I catch the bright aroma of grapefruit. It smells crisp, a bit sweet, and just a little tart.

There’s this gentle scent of fresh thyme that sneaks in, softening things and keeping the drink from tipping into pure fruitiness.

With the first sip, the grapefruit juice hits me with clean citrus and a gentle bitterness. The sparkling soda lifts everything, making it super refreshing—honestly, I could sip this all afternoon.

The thyme syrup brings in some mild earthiness, which balances out the grapefruit’s tang. I notice a touch of salt from the rim; it sharpens up the flavors and keeps my palate guessing.

The texture comes through smooth and bubbly. It’s cool and crisp, leaving behind a light citrus finish that lingers just a bit before it disappears.

Flavor highlights:

• Citrus: Bright and slightly tart
• Herbal: Subtle thyme aroma
• Sweetness: Balanced by soda and salt
• Finish: Clean, refreshing, and lightly bitter