Hibiscus Paloma Cocktail

This hibiscus paloma is a refreshing cocktail recipe; tart grapefruit and lime juices are paired with sweet and floral hibiscus simple syrup.

Earlier this month, I made grapefruit hibiscus margaritas and I have about 10 gallons of hibiscus simple syrup and a pitcher of grapefruit juice leftover.

Okay…. those amounts are grossly exaggerated.

But I did amass leftovers and I decided to turn them into my second favorite tequila based drink – the paloma.

There’s nothing like a good cocktail to take thoughts of snow and winter away. Or a summer cocktail to cool down.

Hibiscus Paloma Cocktail

Since I had all of that leftover hibiscus simple syrup, I decided to substitute the paloma’s sugar with it. And what a great decision that was.

Traditionally, palomas are made with Squirt or other grapefruit flavored sodas. Because of the inclusion of homemade simple syrup, which is very sweet, I went with fresh juices and sparkling water to make sure the drink was not overly sweet.

The neighbors were hesitant to try these cocktails because they thought their bright color meant a super fruity and sweet drink.

Not the case. Instead it is lightly floral and refreshing. I can see many hibiscus paloma summer days in my future.

When I make cocktails, I always like to start with a good spirit. I really want to make a joke about being happy but when I say good spirit, I mean liquor.

There are several tequilas I like – some for sipping and some for making cocktails.

For palomas, I usually use Don Julio or Patron. Use your favorite and you won’t regret it.

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Ingredients and Helpful Tools

• Dried Hibiscus Flowers
• Citrus Juicer
• Highball/Tom Collins Glasses
• Double Cocktail Jigger

Hibiscus Paloma Garnish Ideas

I suggest adding a salt rim, like you would with a margarita, to start. Kosher salt has larger grains, but if you’re in a pinch, any salt will do.

If you are using freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, save half of a grapefruit to cut into wedges. If you are using store-bought grapefruit juice… buy a grapefruit, too, while you’re at the grocery store.

Fresh lime wheels or wedges are also great garnishes for this pink Paloma – the green color pops against the bright colors of the drink.

A few dried hibiscus flowers added to the top of the drink will give off a nice, floral aroma and take this cocktail to the next level. If you’re making these drinks for a party, definitely include this garnish – it makes this simple drink look fancy!

Looking for more fun summer drinks?

Try these:

• Blackberry Kiwi Mojitos
• Raspberry Kir Royale
• Raspberry Gin Spritzer

Hibiscus Paloma

This hibiscus paloma is a refreshing cocktail recipe; the tart grapefruit and lime juices are well complemented by the sweet and floral hibiscus simple syrup. Break out that bottle of tequila and mix up a batch of these delicious drinks today!

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Course: Cocktails

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1

Calories: 179.4kcal

Author: Jenny Bullistron

Ingredients

• 1 grapefruit wedge
• 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
• ½ ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Hibiscus Simple Syrup
• 2 ounces white tequila
• ¼ cup club soda
• kosher salt for garnish

Hibiscus Simple Syrup

• ½ cup dried hibiscus flowers
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat in a small pot. Turn off heat, add the hibiscus flowers and steep for 5 minutes. Strain out the hibiscus flowers. Return the pot to the stove and add the sugar. Heat on medium until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool before using.
• Pour kosher salt on a small plate. Rub the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit or lime wedge and dip the rim of glass in salt.
• Combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, and hibiscus simple syrup in glass and stir to combine. Stir in tequila, add ice, and top off with club soda. Garnish.

Hibiscus Simple Syrup

• In a small pot, combine the water, honey and hibiscus flowers. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Place a strainer over a bowl and pour the syrup into it to strain out the flowers. Shake the strainer a little bit to get all of the syrup out. Discard the flowers and allow the syrup to cool before using.

Notes

Traditionally, palomas are made with Squirt or other grapefruit flavored sodas. Because of the inclusion of homemade simple syrup, which is very sweet, we went with fresh juices and soda water to make sure the drink was not overly sweet.

Nutrition

Calories: 179.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.6g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 18.5mg | Potassium: 115.1mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 11.6g | Vitamin A: 11.1IU | Vitamin C: 19.5mg | Calcium: 10.4mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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