Grapefruit and Basil Paloma Cocktail
A bright and refreshing Paloma variation featuring fresh grapefruit juice, silver tequila, lime, and muddled basil for a zesty, herbal twist.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Highball glass
- Bar spoon or muddler
- Strainer
- Citrus juicer
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small plate
Ingredients
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice from ripe grapefruit
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup or agave syrup to taste
- 2-3 leaves fresh basil plus more for garnish
- club soda or sparkling water for topping
- salt or kosher salt for rim, optional
- ice cubes
- grapefruit slices for garnish
- lime wedge for rim and garnish
Instructions
- Optional: salt the rim by rubbing a lime wedge around the glass and dipping in salt.
- Muddle basil leaves gently in the shaker.
- Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and syrup to the shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake until well chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water.
- Garnish with grapefruit slice, lime wedge, and basil sprig.
Notes
Fresh grapefruit juice brightens the drink, while basil adds a fresh herbal aroma. Adjust sweetness with syrup or substitute grapefruit soda for a sweeter profile. Smacking basil before garnishing releases extra aroma. Use pink salt for a unique rim twist.