Bubbly Grapefruit Mocktail with Agave & Lime

If you’re craving a Paloma-style grapefruit mocktail that’s sparkling, flavorful, and not too sweet, then I have the drink for you!

I love citrusy beverages, but grapefruit can be a tricky flavor to balance in mixed drinks. It’s naturally sharp, so you need enough sweetness to round it out without tipping into syrupy.

A lot of grapefruit mocktail recipes rely on Squirt grapefruit soda, but I use Fever-Tree soda and agave syrup for a more nuanced flavor. Zero-proof tequila adds the bite you’d expect from a classic Paloma, and fresh lime juice keeps it bright.

This bubbly grapefruit mocktail is so light and refreshing. It’s perfect for any time of year, but I especially enjoy it in spring and summer. 

Plus, it’s super easy to pull together. 

Win-win-win!

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Ingredients

You only need four ingredients to make this grapefruit mocktail, plus Tajín if you’d like to add an optional rim. You’ll also need a cocktail shaker and ice for both shaking and serving.

Zero-Proof Tequila Alternative 

First, you’ll need a good tequila alternative. I don’t typically use alternative spirits in my mocktails, but I really like Ritual Agave Spirit Alternative as a substitute for tequila. It adds a subtle spice and depth that the drink would be missing otherwise.

Fresh Lime Juice

You’ll also need fresh lime juice to help balance the grapefruit. Since grapefruit is already quite acidic, you only need a little — one lime should be enough. 

Agave Syrup

Agave brings flavor as well as needed sweetness, since Fever-Tree grapefruit soda (more on that next) isn’t as sweet as some brands. 

I like to use light agave (the In the Raw brand). You can adjust the amount to your taste. 

Fever-Tree Grapefruit Soda

The magic ingredient in this recipe is Fever-Tree grapefruit soda, which adds both flavor and bubbles. It has a clean grapefruit taste but isn’t overly sweet like brands such as Squirt. That gives this mocktail a more elevated feel and lets you control the sweetness with agave.

You can try a different brand, but I haven’t tested alternatives. You’ll likely need to adjust the ratios, since Fever-Tree has a more distinct flavor profile.

Now let’s get into the recipe!

FAQs

See below for answers to common questions about this grapefruit mocktail.

What’s the best grapefruit soda for this mocktail?

I recommend Fever-Tree grapefruit soda for its clean, balanced flavor. It’s less sweet than brands like Squirt, which gives this mocktail a more elevated taste and lets you control the sweetness with agave.

Can I use fresh grapefruit juice instead of grapefruit soda?

You can, but it will change the drink quite a bit. Grapefruit soda adds both sweetness and bubbles, so if you use fresh juice, you’ll need to add a sparkling component and adjust the sweetness to taste.

Is this mocktail very sweet?

It’s moderately sweet. I add enough agave to balance the sharpness of the grapefruit, but you can easily adjust the amount to your taste if you prefer something more tart.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can mix the lime juice, agave, and zero-proof tequila ahead of time, but wait to add the grapefruit soda until just before serving to keep it bubbly.

What can I use instead of agave syrup?

Simple syrup or honey syrup will work as substitutes. Keep in mind that agave pairs especially well with grapefruit and gives the drink a more classic Paloma-style flavor.

Do I need a cocktail shaker?

A cocktail shaker helps properly mix and chill the ingredients, but you can also stir everything together in a glass if needed. Just make sure to mix well before adding the soda.

Should I add a Tajín rim?

It’s optional, but highly recommended. Tajín adds a salty, slightly spicy contrast that pairs really well with the tart grapefruit.

More Refreshing Mocktails to Try

If you liked this grapefruit mocktail, you might also enjoy these bright and bubbly recipes.