Refreshing Grapefruit Basil Paloma Recipe
We’ve finally been enjoying that hot summer weather here in Vancouver that we look forward to all year! Patio season is one of my favorite seasons and we love enjoying a refreshing cocktail with family or friends. Since many of us are spending more time at home staycationing, why not try something new for your next date night in or small gathering? This Refreshing Grapefruit Basil Paloma Recipe is a snap to make and I promise, every bit as tasty as a cocktail at your favorite restaurant!
In case you haven’t had this cocktail before, a Paloma is a tequila-based cocktail usually prepared by mixing tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. For this version, I’ll be using fresh grapefruit juice instead of soda, and adding basil and a caramelized grapefruit wedge for garnish.

Refreshing Grapefruit Basil Paloma
Ingredients
- sea salt
- ½ cup fresh grapefruit juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp sugar
- 100 ml tequila
- ½ cup club soda
- grapefruit wedge for garnish
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Rim 2 cocktail glass with sea salt.
- Pan fry grapefruit wedges in a little bit of sugar and water until caramalized.
- Combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sugar in a glass. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Stir in tequila, add ice and top up with club soda.
- Garnish rim with grapefruit wedge and add a basil leaf to drink if desired.
What I love about this cocktail is that it’s super refreshing but not too sweet because of the grapefruit and basil. You can always add more sugar if necessary. The caramelized grapefruit wedge adds a rustic and summer backyard feel to this drink. If you’ve got the BBQ going, you can also grill up the grapefruit wedges instead of caramelizing them.
If you’re making a few drinks, it’s always lovely to serve them on a pretty tray like this bamboo one. You can line it with a napkin or tea towel and place your drinks on top.
Cut up extra grapefruit slices and place them in a pretty bowl and add fresh basil in a vase to complete this look.
If you missed my Beautiful Boho Summer Home Tour I’d love for you to take a peek. I can’t believe fall decor is right around the corner!
These Refreshing Grapefruit Basil Paloma cocktails have become our new fave and are perfect for sipping on your patio this summer. With a long weekend coming up and sun in the forecast, we’ll definitely be enjoying some time outdoors with friends and one of these yummy drinks.
Enjoy!
Judy Xx