Hot Honey Paloma Mocktail with Grapefruit
The Hot Honey Paloma is a refreshing citrus mocktail with grapefruit, lime, soda bubbles and our signature sweet-heat accent from spicy honey. Grapefruit brings a light bitterness and bright freshness, lime adds acidity, soda keeps the drink light and fizzy, and the hot honey balances the citrus beautifully with soft sweetness and a warm piquant finish. The perfect drink for a sunny day, taco night, a summer party — or any moment when you want something cold, citrusy and with a bit of character.
Preparation
- 1
Build the citrus base. In a shaker or mixing glass, combine the fresh grapefruit juice, the lime juice and the spicy honey. Stir well until the honey dissolves completely. If the honey is thick, mix it first with 1 teaspoon of warm water — it will blend into the cold drink far more easily.
- 2
Add the base. Add the non-alcoholic tequila alternative or sparkling water. For a more grown-up flavour, go with the non-alcoholic tequila; for the lightest possible mocktail, just use soda or sparkling water.
- 3
Chill it. Add ice and shake or stir well until the drink is cold and balanced.
- 4
Serve. Fill a tall glass with ice and strain the citrus base into it.
- 5
Add the bubbles. Top up with soda or sparkling water. Stir gently to keep the bubbles alive.
- 6
Final touch. Garnish with fresh mint and a wedge of grapefruit or lime. If you like, rim the glass with salt or Tajín: run a lime around the edge and dip it into the salt or spice mix.
Chef's tips
- —Want more heat? Add a little more spicy honey. Want it more citrusy? Add more lime juice or a little grapefruit zest.
- —Want a lighter drink? Use more soda. For a fuller flavour, choose freshly squeezed grapefruit juice rather than the carton kind.
- —For a spicy rim, use Tajín or mix salt with a pinch of chilli.
- —Do not muddle the mint: just clap the leaves lightly between your palms before garnishing — the aroma stays fresh, without bitterness.
- —Thick honey is best dissolved in advance: mix it with a little warm water to make a quick syrup.
- —Bonus: citrus salsa with spicy honey. Cut grapefruit and lime into small pieces, add a little red onion, coriander and a few drops of spicy honey. Stir — and you have a fresh citrus salsa for tacos, fish, prawns or nachos.
