Bobbie'sKitchen
Cocktails & Mocktails

Sage Ginger Paloma

Bright grapefruit and lime with tequila, fresh ginger and aromatic sage; includes a mocktail variation.

Sage Ginger Paloma, photographed by Bobbie
The original food picture from Bobbie's recipe card.
Makes 1 drink (or a pitcher for 8) 20 minutes total (10 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook), plus 10–15 minutes steeping for the syrupBuy ingredients on Amazon Make a shopping list for this
Contains alcoholAdults onlyMake ahead

Contains alcohol — adults only. Pitcher: combine all pitcher ingredients except sparkling water and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Add sparkling water just before serving; garnish with grapefruit, sage and/or rosemary. Tips: use fresh grapefruit juice; adjust sweetness with syrup; steep longer for deeper flavor; mix grapefruit and blood orange juice for color; use mezcal for a smokier version. Variations: mocktail (omit tequila and use sparkling grapefruit soda or extra sparkling water); add jalapeño slices to the shaker; blend grapefruit, orange and lime; add thyme with sage; frozen (blend everything except sparkling water with ice, then top with sparkling water). Syrup keeps airtight refrigerated up to 2 weeks. Mixed cocktail is best fresh; mix without sparkling water up to 24 hours ahead. Pair with Thanksgiving appetizers, roast turkey, charcuterie, spiced nuts, savory pumpkin dishes or holiday brunch.

Ingredients

Sage ginger syrup (about 1 cup, enough for 8 drinks)

  • 1 cup water (240 ml)
  • 1 cup raw honey or maple syrup (240 ml)
  • 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • 8 fresh sage leaves
  • 1 orange peel strip
  • 1 grapefruit peel strip

Cocktail (1 drink)

  • 2 oz tequila blanco (60 ml)
  • 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice (30 ml)
  • ¾ oz fresh lime juice (22 ml)
  • ¾ oz sage ginger syrup (22 ml)
  • 2 oz sparkling water or club soda (60 ml)
  • Ice
  • Grapefruit slice and fresh sage for garnish

Rim (optional but recommended)

  • 2 tbsp coarse salt
  • 1 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Zest of 1 lime

Pitcher (8 servings)

  • 16 oz tequila blanco (480 ml)
  • 8 oz fresh grapefruit juice (240 ml)
  • 6 oz fresh lime juice (180 ml)
  • 6 oz sage ginger syrup (180 ml)
  • 16 oz sparkling water (480 ml)

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Method

  1. 1

    Make the sage ginger syrup: combine water, honey (or maple syrup), ginger, sage leaves and citrus peels in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain and store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

  2. 2

    Prepare the glass: mix salt, coconut sugar, chili flakes and lime zest on a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim, then dip the glass into the mixture.

  3. 3

    Mix the cocktail: fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and sage ginger syrup. Shake well for 15 seconds.

  4. 4

    Assemble: fill the prepared glass with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass.

  5. 5

    Top and garnish: add sparkling water and gently stir. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a fresh sage leaf or sprig of rosemary.

  6. 6

    Enjoy!

Get this in a pack

Sage Ginger Paloma is printed in Holiday Cocktails & Mocktails

29 recipes, each on its own printable page, with a shopping list. Instant download. See what's inside

$9

Or get every pack in one go: The Whole Kitchen Collection — $39

From Bobbie's “Bobbie's Recipe Card 86”. Written up by Bobbie's Kitchen · Updated 26 October 2026