The Recipe · No.1050 · Virgin Paloma (Paloma Mocktail)
Virgin Paloma (Paloma Mocktail), and where to source it
Salt the rim of only half the glass. Run a lime wedge around one side and press it into flaky salt, so every drinker chooses a salted sip or a clean one. A full salt rim locks them into salt on every mouthful and drowns the grapefruit.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep5 min
Cook0 min
Makesmakes 1
CuisineHighball
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Fresh grapefruit
Squeeze a real ruby grapefruit. Bottled grapefruit juice goes bitter and metallic, and here it's the whole drink.
3 ozrecommended
Local / market
Fresh lime
Real lime for the acid that keeps the grapefruit from tasting flat and sweet.
halfrecommended
Local / market
Grapefruit soda
A proper grapefruit soda adds fizz and a little bitterness. In a pinch, club soda plus more juice works.
toprecommended
Local / market
Flaky salt
Coarse or flaky salt sticks to the rim and crunches. Fine table salt slides off and over-salts.
for rimrecommended
Local / market
Ice
Fill the glass so the soda stays sharp and cold.
1 glassrecommended
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
RimRun a lime wedge around half the rim and press that side into flaky salt.
BuildFill the glass with ice, add the grapefruit and lime juice.
TopTop with grapefruit soda and give one gentle stir to lift the juice, not knock out the fizz.
Can you make Virgin Paloma (Paloma Mocktail) in an air fryer? — Not needed
No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.
Can you freeze Virgin Paloma (Paloma Mocktail)? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make Virgin Paloma (Paloma Mocktail) ahead of time? — Partly
The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.
Is Virgin Paloma (Paloma Mocktail) gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Virgin Paloma (Paloma Mocktail) vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
Made it, tweaked it, or recognize which restaurant this tastes like? Leave a note — first-name basis, no account.