Name: Rosemary Paloma
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients: 2 oz (60 ml) blanco tequila (100% agave — Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, or Cimarrón); 1 oz (30 ml) fresh grapefruit juice (about half a grapefruit); ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice; ¾ oz (22 ml) Rosemary Simple Syrup (see Infusions & Syrups section); 2 oz (60 ml) sparkling water or club soda; Pinch of flaky salt; Ice; Grapefruit wedge and rosemary sprig, for garnish; *For the rim (optional):**; 1 tablespoon flaky salt; 1 teaspoon chili powder (Tajín works beautifully); Lime wedge

Rosemary Paloma

Mexico's most popular cocktail isn't the margarita — it's the paloma. Tequila, grapefruit, lime, and a salty rim. This version infuses the simple syrup with rosemary, adding a piney, savory layer that makes the grapefruit pop even harder. If you've only ever had a paloma from a can, this is going to

Ingredients

2 oz (60 ml) blanco tequila (100% agave — Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, or Cimarrón)
1 oz (30 ml) fresh grapefruit juice (about half a grapefruit)
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
¾ oz (22 ml) Rosemary Simple Syrup (see Infusions & Syrups section)
2 oz (60 ml) sparkling water or club soda
Pinch of flaky salt
Ice
Grapefruit wedge and rosemary sprig, for garnish
*For the rim (optional):**
1 tablespoon flaky salt
1 teaspoon chili powder (Tajín works beautifully)
Lime wedge

Method

**Rim the glass (if desired).** Mix salt and chili powder on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a highball glass. Press the rim into the salt mixture, rotating to coat evenly.
**Build the drink.** Fill the glass with ice. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and rosemary syrup.
**Top with sparkling water.** Stir gently to combine.
**Add a pinch of flaky salt** directly into the drink — it enhances the grapefruit and balances the sweetness.
**Garnish** with a grapefruit wedge and a rosemary sprig.
*Variations:**
**Mezcal Paloma**: Replace half or all of the tequila with mezcal for a smoky version.
**Spicy Paloma**: Muddle 2-3 slices of jalapeño in the glass before adding ice.
**Batch Paloma (for 8)**: Combine 2 cups tequila, 1 cup grapefruit juice, ½ cup lime juice, ¾ cup rosemary syrup in a pitcher. Add sparkling water to individual glasses when serving.
*Storage:** Rosemary syrup keeps 2 weeks refrigerated. Fresh grapefruit juice lasts 2-3 days refrigerated but is best squeezed to order.