The classic Paloma drink is one of Mexico's most beloved tequila cocktails, and for good reason. Bright, citrusy, and refreshing on a hot day, it's the kind of drink that feels like happy hour in a glass. The best part? You don't need sugar to make it taste incredible. Here's how to make a sugar-free Paloma that hits every note of the original, without the extra carbs.
What Is a Paloma Cocktail?
A Paloma cocktail is a simple mix of tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and grapefruit soda, typically served in a highball glass over ice with a salted rim. It's often compared to a margarita, but where a margarita leans sweet and sharp, the Paloma is more bitter, floral, and refreshing.
Traditional recipes can call for agave syrup, agave nectar, or simple syrup to balance the bitterness of grapefruit. Our sugar-free version skips all of that without losing any of the best flavour.
Sugar-Free Paloma Recipe
Prep time: 5 minutes Serves: 1
Paloma Cocktail Ingredients
- 60ml silver tequila
- 60ml freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 15ml Zerup Lemon Lime Syrup
- 10ml Zerup Zero Sugar Coconut Syrup
- 120ml sugar-free grapefruit soda
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit wedge, lime wedge, and salt for the rim (optional)
How to Make It
Prep your glass. Rub a lime wedge around the rim, dip in salt, and fill with ice.
Shake. Combine grapefruit juice, Zerup Lemon Lime Syrup, Zerup Zero Sugar Coconut Syrup, tequila, and a pinch of salt in a shaker. Shake for 10–15 seconds.
Build. Pour over ice and top with sugar-free grapefruit soda.
Garnish. Add a grapefruit wedge and lime wedge. Serve immediately.
Paloma Variations Using Zerup Zero Sugar Syrups
One of the easiest ways to twist a classic Paloma cocktail is to swap out the sweetener. Instead of agave syrup or simple syrup, adding a splash of a Zerup zero sugar syrup lets you dial in a flavour that makes the drink entirely your own, with zero added sugar.
Here are a few combinations worth trying:
Passionfruit Paloma: A splash of Zerup's Zero Sugar Passionfruit Syrup gives the drink a bright, fruity lift that works especially well with silver tequila. It's a great option for warm-weather entertaining.
Mint Paloma: For a cooler, more refreshing take, a small measure of Zerup Zero Sugar Crystal Clear Mint Syrup brings a clean herbal note that pairs well with the grapefruit zest garnish.
Cherry Paloma: Zerup's Zero Sugar Cherry Syrup adds a subtle sweet-tart depth that turns the classic into something a little more cocktail-bar worthy. A great one for entertaining.
Each of these variations keeps the drink sugar-free and low-carb, while giving you something new to mix. Start with 10ml and adjust to taste.
Make It Your Way with Zerup
At Zerup Australia, we're all about enjoying your favourite drink without the compromise. Our zero-sugar cocktail syrups, including Coconut, Passionfruit, Cherry, Mint, and Yuzu, are crafted for exactly this kind of recipe. They give you the sweetness and complexity of a proper cocktail without any sugar added. Whether you're hosting a summer get-together or just after a refreshing low-carb drink on a weeknight, a sugar-free Paloma made with quality ingredients is always a good idea. Browse our full range of zero-sugar syrups to find your next favourite cocktail ingredient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Paloma cocktail?
A Paloma is a classic tequila cocktail made with grapefruit juice, lime and grapefruit soda, usually served over ice with a salted rim. It is bright and citrusy, with a more bitter, refreshing profile than a margarita.
How do you make a Paloma without sugar?
Traditional recipes use agave or simple syrup to balance the grapefruit, but you can skip these by using a sugar free syrup and a sugar free grapefruit soda. This keeps the drink full of flavour while reducing the added sugar and carbs.
What is the difference between a Paloma and a margarita?
Both are tequila based, but a margarita leans sweet and sharp with lime, while a Paloma is built around grapefruit for a more bitter, floral and refreshing taste. The grapefruit soda also gives the Paloma a lighter, fizzy finish.
Can I change the flavour of a Paloma?
Yes. Swapping in a different sugar free syrup is an easy way to customise it. Fruity, minty or cherry notes all work well, so you can tailor the drink to your taste. Start with a small amount and adjust from there.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Paloma?
You can. Leave out the tequila and build the drink around grapefruit juice, lime, a sugar free syrup and grapefruit soda over ice. It keeps the signature citrus flavour in a refreshing alcohol free version.
