Margaritas have always been my favorite cocktail (with an extra dirty martini coming close second). However, throughout the years I’ve found myself wanting them to be not too sour (I often ask bartenders if they can substitute the lime for lemon, which does help) and without a bunch of added sweetness. I’ve been in search of something that still gives me that refreshing taste with yummy tequila, but way more simple. Enter the Paloma, which is pretty much a margarita, but without any orange flavoring (so no triple-sec or other orange liqueur) and swap the lime for grapefruit. I LOVE IT.
Which brings me to today’s recipe, the Basil Paloma Cocktail. The second I take a liking to a classic cocktail such as the Paloma, I like to find ways to elevate it or give it a twist. I had a feeling the basil would be lovely with grapefruit and I was right. It adds a delicious freshness. The only added sweetener to this drink is agave and it’s only 1 tsp. This allows this refreshing cocktail just the perfect amount of sweetness and makes it on the healthier side, as far as most cocktails go.
This recipe has me wanting to see what other ways I can combine basil and grapefruit-maybe an appetizer with some goat cheese or a summer spring salad. Stay tuned…I may just have to create something soon 😊
Basil Paloma Cocktail
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Silver Tequila
- 2 oz freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 tsp agave
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
- grapefruit sparkling water, I use Pamplemousse La Croix
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker place the bunch of fresh basil leaves, pour in the agave and grapefruit juice and muddle well. The pour in the tequila and ice. Shake very well, a good 10-15 seconds. Pour through a strainer into a cocktail glass. Top off the Basil Paloma Cocktail with your choice of grapefruit sparkling water. Optional garnishes: basil leaf, grapefruit slice, sugared rim.
