There is just something so fun about using seasonal produce, fun new flavors, and flavored sugar to create the absolute perfect cocktail for any occasion. I just know you are going to love this twist on the classic Paloma and can't wait for you to try a Grapefruit Rose Paloma Cocktail!
Lately, I've been getting tons of requests from more GRAPEFRUIT content. It has been quite surprising to me as I made my first grapefruit recipe on a whim. In fact, my Vegan Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake is one of my most popular recipes on the blog month after month.
While I've been planning some other vegan grapefruit treats, I know this Paloma cocktail is a great start. Luckily, making this Paloma cocktail is SUPER easy. It only contains 6 ingredients and the supplies you need are minimal as well.
Ingredients:
Here's a quick snapshot of what you need to make this Grapefruit Tequila Paloma:
- Grapefruits- I mean, of course!
- Rose Water. Nielsen- Massey is my favorite brand and a whole bottle seriously lasts forever. However, if you don't have access to this you can easily make your own rose water at home.
- Organic Sugar. The sugar is used to create a grapefruit simple syrup when mixed with the grapefruit and rose water. YUM!
- Grapefruit Soda. Any brand works, but Spindrift is my favorite!
- Silver/White Tequila from your favorite brand.
What is rosewater?
Rosewater is rose petals that have been steeped in water to release their flavor and water. Surprisingly, steeping the rose petals in hot water actually gives off a really potent flavor. This means I didn't have to use much rosewater (only 1 tsp for 4 cocktails) to really let the flavor shine through.
Rosewater is traditionally used in many middle eastern cuisines. The first time I ever tried rose water was when I studied abroad in Cyprus during a college summer. I truly wish I could find pictures from the trip I took over 8 years ago because the memories I have of the open-air markets along the beach were truly special. I was constantly mesmerized by the rows of sugared dried fruits, halva, and infinite colors of Turkish delights rolled in powdered sugar.
If you've never tried rosewater before it pairs beautifully with citrus, pistachios, and spices like cardamom and saffron. You can use it in cocktails such as this recipe, but it also adds a great flavor to candy or baked goods. I totally recommend trying it in my Vegan Cardamom Rose Cupcakes next!
How to serve a rose paloma cocktail
While Dried Rose Petals are optional, they make the drink SO fun! I like to sprinkle some rose petals on top as well as crush some rose petals with sugar for a sugar rim. To make the rose petal sugar room set aside too shallow plates.
Fill one plate with water and the other plate with a mix of crushed rose petals and sugar. Drip the glass into the water, then dip and twist it around in the rose petal sugar. Remove and let sit until the sugar hardens.
I also threw some dried grapefruit slices into my drink as a garnish. That being said, fresh grapefruit slices work just as well. Place them inside the glass or onto the rim for a gorgeous and fresh garnish!
I hope you enjoy this refreshing Grapefruit Rose Paloma- Cheers!
-TSG
More Cocktail Recipes You Will Love:
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Grapefruit & Rose Paloma
Ingredients
Grapefruit Rose Simple Syrup
- 1 cup grapefruit juice
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon rose water
To Make One Cocktail
- 1.5 oz tequila
- ¼ cup grapefruit rose simple syrup *made above
- ¾ cup grapefruit soda
- ice to top
Rose Sugar Rim
- 1 tablespoon dried rose petals *crushed
- 2 tablespoon organic sugar
Instructions
- Begin by making the simple syrup. Add your grapefruit juice, sugar, and rose water to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved completely and the syrup has thickened slightly. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- While the syrup is cooling prepare your rose sugar rim for each glass. Add your organic sugar and crushed dried rose petals to a plate and use a spoon to mix. Then, add a small amount of water to a seperate plate. Take each glass and dip it into the plate with water. Then, dip it into the plate containing the rose petal sugar and twist. Let the sugar rim set for at least 5 minutes before adding in the cocktail ingredients.
- Once the syrup has cooled and the sugar rim is on make your cocktail! Add ¼ cup of the syrup to each cocktail glass along with 1.5 oz of tequila and ¾ cup grapefruit soda. Stir to combine and top each cocktail with ice to fill. Enjoy!
Jo Thrasher says
This sounds positively delightful. I know summer Fridays are a while away but I'm definitely making these once we get there!
Megan says
Thank you Jo! I know, can't wait for all the cocktails to enjoy outside. Not too far away! 🙂