When you want a mocktail that’s both refreshing and full of flavor, the Citrus Paloma Mocktail with Thyme is an absolute winner. With its bright citrus notes, a touch of herbal thyme, and a fizzy finish, it’s a drink that’s perfect for relaxing afternoons or any gathering that needs a splash of refreshment.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This mocktail brings together the zesty flavors of grapefruit and lime with a unique twist from the fresh thyme. The thyme adds a subtle, savory note that balances the sweetness of the citrus, making it a flavorful and sophisticated drink. Plus, it’s alcohol-free, so everyone can enjoy it!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp agave syrup or honey (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Salt (for rimming the glass, optional)
For the full list of ingredients and detailed measurements, scroll down for more!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Glass
Start by rimming your glass with salt (optional). Simply rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it into salt. This adds a little extra zing to each sip.
Step 2: Muddle the Thyme
In a cocktail shaker or a sturdy glass, add the fresh thyme sprig. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently bruise the thyme, releasing its aromatic oils. This step will infuse the mocktail with that fresh herbal flavor.
Step 3: Add the Citrus Juices
Add the fresh grapefruit juice and lime juice to the muddled thyme. If you like a sweeter drink, add agave syrup or honey to taste. Stir well to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Shake and Strain
Add ice cubes to the shaker, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This helps chill the mixture and blend the flavors. Once done, strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
Step 5: Top with Sparkling Water
Fill the glass the rest of the way with sparkling water or club soda, giving it a nice bubbly finish. Stir gently to combine.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a slice of lime or grapefruit for a beautiful, aromatic presentation. Now your mocktail is ready to be sipped and enjoyed!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For a stronger thyme flavor: Muddle the thyme a little more to extract even more of its herbal aroma.
- Chill your glass: For an extra cool touch, chill your glass in the freezer before preparing the mocktail.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more agave syrup or honey. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different citrus fruits: You can switch out the grapefruit for other citrus fruits, such as orange or lemon, for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Herb alternatives: If you don’t have thyme, fresh rosemary or basil can provide a nice herbal twist to this mocktail.
- For an extra zing: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or jalapeño slices for a spicy kick.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This mocktail is perfect for serving at brunches, summer picnics, or casual gatherings. Pair it with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or light seafood dishes. It also goes wonderfully with savory appetizers like guacamole, hummus, or cheese platters.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Since this is best served fresh, it’s not ideal for storing. However, you can prepare the citrus juices and thyme syrup ahead of time, then just add sparkling water and ice when you’re ready to serve.
4 FAQs
- Can I make this mocktail in advance? You can prepare the grapefruit juice, lime juice, and thyme syrup ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and add sparkling water and ice when serving.
- Can I use store-bought grapefruit juice? Fresh grapefruit juice provides the best flavor, but you can use store-bought juice if you’re short on time.
- How can I make this mocktail sweeter? If you like your drinks on the sweeter side, simply add more agave syrup or honey to taste.
- Can I use a different herb? Yes! Fresh rosemary or basil would be great substitutes if you don’t have thyme.
Conclusion
The Citrus Paloma Mocktail with Thyme is a light, refreshing, and beautifully aromatic drink that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of citrus and thyme offers a unique twist on a classic mocktail, and the fizz from the sparkling water gives it the perfect bubbly finish. Refresh yourself and enjoy this delightful, alcohol-free drink!
Print
Citrus Paloma Mocktail with Thyme
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Mocktail, Beverage
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Citrus Paloma Mocktail with Thyme is a vibrant, refreshing drink that combines the bright flavors of grapefruit and lime with a touch of herbaceous thyme. This alcohol-free version of the classic Paloma is perfect for hot days or any time you want a light and zesty beverage with a twist of herb.
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3 oz sparkling water or club soda
- 1 tsp agave syrup (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Ice
- Grapefruit or lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a glass, muddle one sprig of fresh thyme with agave syrup (if using) to release the herb’s flavor.
- Add the fresh grapefruit juice and lime juice to the glass.
- Fill the glass with ice and top with sparkling water or club soda.
- Stir gently to combine the flavors.
- Garnish with a lime or grapefruit wedge and a sprig of fresh thyme (optional).
Notes
- For a stronger thyme flavor, you can muddle another sprig of thyme.
- Adjust the sweetness with more or less agave syrup, or leave it out for a less sweet version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mocktail
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Carbohydrates: 9g