Skinny Paloma (no sugar added)
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Published Jul 13, 2020, Updated Jul 05, 2023
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This lightened up skinny Paloma is made with fresh grapefruit juice, tequila and lime juice. You can add a splash of sparkling water for a little bubbles.
It’s Monday and I could use a pitcher of margaritas big cup of coffee. Anyone else?
While I do love a good margarita I rarely order them, because they’re usually made with a mix and loaded with calories and sugar. Not worth it to me, unless I’m on vacay in Mexico or something along those lines. What happens in Mexico stays in Mexico, right?!
Given my taste for margaritas and the fact that Cinco de Mayo is this week I thought a tequila cocktail would brighten up your Monday.
Here’s What You Need:
- fresh grapefruit juice
- tequila
- lime juice
- grapefruit flavored sparkling water – optional but I love the bubbles!
- sea salt flakes or pink Himalayan sea salt – for the rim!
For the basic recipe all you need is fresh grapefruit juice, tequila and a splash of lime. But I love to add sparkling water for bubbles.
No Added Sweetener
This cocktail is crazy delicious, and you won’t even realize there isn’t any added sugar! Most cocktails have some sort of sweetener in them, but the grapefruit juice adds plenty of sweetness to this drink.
I have to thank Nicole for introducing me to the grapefruit and tequila combo. Last summer we were eating at Nopalito in San Fran and she mentioned that the Paloma was her favorite drink at the moment. I tried it, loved it and it quickly became my favorite drink too.
Healthier Alcohol Options
Overall, how much you drink is more important than what you drink. I feel like when diet culture was at the forefront of everyone’s minds, people were searching for the healthiest choice. Sure, there are some cocktails that are healthier options (like this Paloma!) but overall, I would recommend being conscious with how much you’re drinking first and foremost.
Red wine has been linked to some health benefits (when drank in moderation!) and has become my drink of choice. I love the taste and also love that it has the resveratrol and antioxidants going on so there are some additional reasons to enjoy it. 🙂
When ordering or making cocktails, my general rule of thumb is to keep it simple. The less ingredients the better! I also try to use no added sugar or at least use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey instead of simple syrup.
If you’re feeling fancy you can line the rim of your glass with sea salt, but it’s not necessary. It just looks pretty. 🙂
More Cocktail Recipes
- Skinny Piña Colada
- Blackberry Cucumber Skinny Mojito
- Skinny Coconut Daiquiri
- Skinny Strawberry Lemon Sangria
- Vodka Soda
- Skinny Margarita
- Skinny Mojito
Be sure to check out the full collection of cocktail recipes here on EBF!
Skinny Paloma (no sugar added)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh grapefruit juice, 2-3 pink or red grapefruits, juiced
- 3 ounces tequila
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- ice
- grapefruit flavored sparkling water, optional
- sea salt flakes or pink Himalayan sea salt, for the rim
Instructions
- Add 1 shot of tequila, 6 ounces of grapefruit juice, 1 teaspoon of lime juice and ice into each glass. Stir to combine, add of splash of sparkling water (if using) and garnish with a lime wedge.
Video
Notes
- Feel free to add a splash splash of sparkling water to the recipe for a little fizz. I had intentions of adding some grapefruit La Croix to this, but forgot. Next time!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is such a gorgeous drink! And I’ll bet it tastes fantastic too!
I’ve been a tequila lover for many years, but was just introduced to the “Paloma”. I tried this recipe and it is divine, and a lot less calories than typical margarita mixers. Thanks so much for sharing. Cheers!
So glad you liked this drink, Deb. It’s definitely one of my favorites.
This was great with your tempeh tacos last night! It’s a perfect drink when you don’t want a beer or a glass of wine. This might become my go to this spring and summer!!
gorgeous recipe, friend!
Thanks babe. I need to create a mocktail version this summer.<3
My daughter’s favorite, but my medication prevents me from drinking grapefruit. Is there a GOOD substitute??? Low cal no added sugar and refreshing? Thanks.
Hey Judy – You could sub the grapefruit with any citrus fruit (lemon, orange, more lime, etc), it just won’t be a Paloma anymore. 🙂
Great recipe, love it, a total hit with my partner!
Is this recipe good for making in bulk for a get together?
Definitely!!
sounds wonderful, however i can only have low sodium/low potassium…..why is this sodium so high? the salt rim? or more than that? do you have any idea of the potassium?
Hey Deb – You can reduce the sodium by skipping the salt rim. There is no potassium in this drink according to My Fitness Pal. 🙂
Yummy, not too sweet and very tasty with fresh grapefruit and lime juice. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Woo!! So glad you enjoyed this skinny paloma, Stephanie! Thanks for the review. I really appreciate it!
good explanation on our diet and how sugar plays a vital role in our daily eatables, and the content of sugar we get naturally from fruit juices. being conscious of our drinking habits we have better online consultation for nutritionist in our daily routine diet including the nutritional value