Skinny Paloma (no sugar added)

4.11

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?

Two paloma cocktails in stemless wine glasses with ice, lime wedges and gold straws.

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.

Paloma cocktails in glasses with lime wedges. A bottle of tequila and slices of grapefruit are on the counter.

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.

Paloma cocktail with ice and a lime wedge and a rim of salt.

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

Be sure to check out the full collection of cocktail recipes here on EBF!

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4.11 from 67 votes

Skinny Paloma (no sugar added)

By: Brittany Mullins

A lightened up skinny Paloma made with freshly juiced grapefruit, tequila, lime juice and sparkling water.

Prep Time: 5

Servings: 2

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!