This strawberry chamomile paloma is perfect for warm afternoons. It combines bright grapefruit, fresh strawberries, and a chamomile honey syrup that smooths everything out.
This tequila cocktail with grapefruit and strawberry folds bright citrus, ripe berries, and a gentle herbal note into a drink that is light and surprisingly calm. I first made it during a backyard playdate with Ellie, my five year old, when the sun was high and we needed something cool that did not require too much fuss. The chamomile honey syrup is the secret weapon here, giving the drink a mellow sweetness that keeps the grapefruit from tasting too sharp.
It is quick to pull together once the syrup is ready, which is why I reach for it on chaotic days. It is also easy to make as a fresh strawberry cocktail for the kids if you skip the tequila. Actually, scratch that, I end up making it for grownups and kids more than I expected.
To a small saucepan, add ¾ cup water and ⅓ cup honey. Bring to a low boil. Simmer, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
Add in 1 or 2 tea bags, cover, and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes. Then remove the tea bags and let the syrup cool completely. Store the syrup in the fridge until ready to serve.
To a glass, add 3 ounces fresh grapefruit juice, 2-4 chamomile honey syrup, 2 ounces tequila, and 4 sliced strawberries. Use a muddler to gently push the strawberries down until they are lightly smashed and release their juices.
Fill your glass with ice and then top it off with sparkling water. Stir and taste. Add more syrup if desired.
Garnish with fresh chamomile flowers and sliced strawberries. Enjoy!
Start simple. A small saucepan for the chamomile honey syrup is enough. You will also want a lid to cover the pan while the tea steeps, a muddler or a wooden spoon to gently crush the strawberries, a tall glass such as a highball or a mason jar, a jigger or measuring spoons, and ice. A citrus juicer helps get about 3 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice from half a grapefruit, but rolling the fruit on the counter first works too.
If you like to keep things neat, a strainer is useful, though I often skip it for a more homemade feel. For storing the syrup, use a glass jar so you can see the golden color.
When you make the chamomile honey syrup recipe, dissolve the honey in the water over low heat, then take the pan off the heat and steep the tea bags covered for 5 to 10 minutes. Steeping off the heat keeps the chamomile from turning bitter and helps the honey keep its warm flavour.
Muddle the strawberries lightly, just enough to release their juice. Think of squishing ripe berries between your fingers until the colour pops. If you overdo it you get mush, which can make the drink cloudy. Start with about 2 tablespoons of syrup and add more to taste. I usually aim for milder sweetness because Ellie prefers things that are not too sweet, but you might want a bit more.
Chill the glass and the sparkling water ahead of time so the fizz lasts longer. This method makes a simple homemade floral syrup that lifts the whole drink without stealing the show. Use blanco tequila for a clean profile that lets the syrup shine, or omit the booze for a family friendly mocktail.
A berry boost is fun. Add raspberries or blackberries with the strawberries and muddle them together for a jammy, tangy twist. It makes the drink richer but be careful not to drown out the chamomile.
Try other teas in the syrup for a different angle. Lavender or mint change the mood, but keep the tea mild so it does not become bitter. I tested a lavender version once and Ellie said it was too flowery, but my husband liked the mint version a lot. This craft cocktail recipe is very forgiving, so play with small batches until you find your favourite.
If you want warmth, rim the glass with chili salt or add a thin slice of jalapeno to the muddle for a gentle kick. It makes the flavours pop and gives you a memorable contrast between spice and fizz.
I like to serve this over crushed ice with sliced strawberries and a small chamomile flower if you have one. It pairs well with a cheese board featuring brie or with grilled fish tacos where the grapefruit cuts through the smoky notes. For casual weekends it is a lovely summer tequila drink to pour alongside simple salads and grilled vegetables.
For brunch, offer a pitcher version and stir gently so you do not lose the bubbles. For a family friendly spread, skip the tequila and serve with fruit salads or yogurt pots for the kids.
A paloma is a classic Mexican cocktail built around tequila and grapefruit soda or juice. This version leans more floral and fruity because of the chamomile honey syrup and fresh strawberries.
A quick note on how to make a paloma for the kids: leave out the tequila and top the glass with extra sparkling water or a splash of lemon for brightness. The strawberries and syrup keep it tasting special.
A simple answer to how to make a paloma is this: combine fresh grapefruit juice, a touch of sweetener such as the chamomile honey syrup, tequila if you want it, muddled strawberries, and top with sparkling water. Adjust sweetness to taste and serve over plenty of ice.
Keep the syrup refrigerated in a jar for up to two weeks and use it in iced tea, on pancakes, or mixed into sparkling water for an instant floral soda. It is handy to have on hand.
This Strawberry Chamomile Paloma is as pretty as it is delicious. Make it as a single drink or scale it up for your crowd, and be sure to leave a review! We love hearing from you!
Pretty & delicious summer drink! I love it!
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