What’s a girl got to do to get a drink on Easter Sunday?
As I’ve mentioned before, Alex is Jewish and I’m half-Jewish. Easter is obviously not a big deal for Alex’s family, and it was never a big deal for me growing up, either. This year I dyed some eggs with Owen and we gave him a little Easter basket, but that was it. I sort of halfheartedly tried to tell him the basket was from the Easter bunny, but he knew it was us. He was like, “Thank you so much for my new toy, Mommy!” We all ate too many jelly beans.
Anyway, my in-laws had invited us over for dinner that night and I wanted to bring some wine. I actually haven’t been drinking a whole lot lately (I’ve been sick twice in the past two months, plus I’m still trying to have another baby), but last Sunday I was really feeling a big glass of cold white wine. Alex and his dad were going to watch the basketball game, and I love to have a drink with my mother-in-law in the kitchen and watch her cook.
But you guys, liquor stores are not open on Easter. Who knew? Actually… probably everybody knew that except me. Not to sound like a crazy wino, but I drove past three liquor stores and they were all dark and deserted.
I realized that if I wanted my drink, I was going to have to get creative. I went home, surveyed our liquor cabinet, and found a bottle of nice tequila leftover from an article I wrote last year. I couldn’t make margaritas because I didn’t have any orange liqueur, so I thought, palomas!
A paloma is basically like a margarita’s easier cousin: tequila, fresh squeezed grapefruit and lime juice, plus club soda for sparkle and fizz.
Since I can never leave well enough alone, I played around with the traditional recipe and splashed in some cucumber juice. It was such a great addition–it imparted this beautiful cool, crisp flavor that complimented the smooth, slightly smoky tequila and tart citrus. If you’re like me, and are weary of fruity cocktails because they are often too sweet, than this is the drink for you.
This grapefruit cucumber paloma is great dinner party (or even brunch) drink because you can mix everything ahead. I made a batch in a big mason jar at our house and brought it to my in-law’s. Then all I had to do was pour them over ice and add a splash of club soda.
The pretty pink hue and bright flavors make this cocktail perfect for spring. It actually felt really festive and appropriate to be drinking them on Easter. My mother-in-law and I both loved these so much, we might have had two.
Grapefruit Cucumber Paloma
2016-04-01 00:22:55
Serves 4
You can omit the tequila and turn this into a delicious mocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- 1 3/4 cups grapefruit juice (preferably fresh squeezed)
- 3/4-1 cup silver tequila (depending on how strong you want your drinks)
- 2 limes
- Ice
- Club soda
Instructions
- Slice four wheels from the cucumber and set aside (you'll use these to garnish the drinks). Peel the rest of the cucumber, cut it into chunks, and transfer to a food processor. Process until pureed. Pour through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Measure out 1/4 cup cucumber juice. Discard remaining cucumber juice and solids.
- Pour the 1/4 cup cucumber juice into a pitcher. Add the grapefruit juice, tequila, and the juice of 1 lime. Fill 4 glasses with ice. Divide the drink between the glasses and top with club soda. Slice the remaining lime into wedges and garnish each drink with a lime wedge and a cucumber wheel.
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Willow | Will Cook For Friends says
These are gorgeous! They sound so light and refreshing, too. I’ve never had cucumber in a paloma, but it sounds so good!
Lucy Baker says
Thanks Willow, they are super yummy! A little cucumber goes a long way. I only used 1/4 cup but you can definitely taste it. It’s delicious and super refreshing!
macro calculator says
Never heard of a paloma but this drink sounds absoutely delicious! Will give it a try 🙂
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says
This is such a delicious drink! Nice to read what you did on Easter. I grew up celebrating Easter so this holiday is very important for us. We go to Church on Saturday to bless our baskets with food.
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
Haha, this made me laugh, it sounds like me, foraging through our liquor cabinet when I realize there’s no wine left to have with dinner. I adore citrus cocktails, so this has my name all over it!
Oriana @Mommyhood's Diary says
I didn’t know that liquor stores are not open on Easter either LOL!! I love all the flavors in this cocktail. Bookmarking to try soon.
Catherine says
What a fun summer drink…its bright and refreshing. I love a bubbly drink once in a while. xo, Catherine
Jessica Knott says
Wow, this sounds amazing right now! TGIF because I might just have to make one or two of these!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I’ve never tried a Paloma before – but I love the fresh and vibrant flavours and ingredients going on in it!