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★★★★★28 Comments

Light Paloma Cocktail with Orange {Refined Sugar Free}

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by Lindsay Cotter Published: Dec 27, 2018

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cocktail glasses pin paloma
cocktail glasses pin paloma

Cheers to YOU with a Light Citrus Paloma Cocktail!  A slightly different twist on the traditional tequila paloma cocktail recipe. This Citrusy Paloma Cocktail is naturally sweetened (refined sugar free) with fresh orange, lemon, and grapefruit sparkling water or light natural soda, then topped with orange peel. No refined sugar added. A perfect light cocktail for holiday brunch or parties.

Two glasses filled with Paloma cocktail, topped with orange slices and small flowers.

3 Years ago I made this Paloma Cocktail Recipe. It was my first attempt for a “Lower Sugar and Lighter” Cocktail on Cotter Crunch. And you know what? It’s still a fav! In fact, I’ve made it 3 times in the past month and I also turned it into Kombucha Cocktail, which will come later, promise!

But for now, I would like to RESHARE this beauty!  Because it’s almost a New Year, because sometimes talking about tequila and gut health can make me feel more balanced (haha), and because if you’re ever in my neighborhood, I will make you one of these Paloma’s, whether you prefer the mocktail or tequila cocktail version.  Whatever is may be, the door is open!

Now, Let’s raise our glass and toast to  being thankful and what feels like quickest (and craziest) year ever!  I’m busting out a lightened up cocktail recipe for you. Heck, while I’m at it, I might as well tell you why this paloma cocktail (aka worlds best tequila cocktail) is healthy-ish, refreshing, and should be added to your holiday celebration. Mmm k?

So let’s talk tequila.

Light and Naturally Sweetened Winter Citrus Paloma Tequila Cocktail!

Single cocktail glass filled with citrus paloma with orange slices floating in liquid.

Is Tequila good for you?

First of all,  raise your hand if you usually have mimosas or bloody marys at your holiday brunch? I’m going to assume all of you have your hand raised. Good, because now I’m adding in a super simple and EASY light cocktail for you to try instead (or in addition to). I promise, you’ll like it.

And secondly, hear me out. … Citrus plus tequila can have it’s Health benefits.

  • It’s gut-friendly — A small amount of QUALITY tequila can help regulate the absorption of fat in your intestines. Plus the fermentation of the plant will feed the beneficial bacteria living in your intestines. YAY!
  • It can help fight colds – forget bone broth, the Mexican parents give a shot of tequila to cure a cold.
    • ½ ounce of tequila blanco/silver (no caramel color) + agave nectar (reduces intestinal bacteria and soothes a sore throat)  +freshly squeezed winter citrus (high in Vitamin C) = MEDICINE
  • Pain Reducer – well duh. But really, a small amount can help dilate blood vessels and release “tension.” So to speak.
A woman holding a cocktail glass filled with citrus paloma

Um, I’ll raise a glass to less tension, less pain, better immunity, and a happy gut this Holiday season! Haha.

But this post really isn’t a post about why you should booze it up and drink tequila cocktails every day. No, that’s not what I mean. Although boozy banana bread is another story. But I digress (wink wink).

My real point here is that you can celebrate ANY holiday and stay healthy if you focus on quality. Quality time, quality food, quality drink, quality movement, and quality sleep.  That just might make easing into those January health goals a little easier, right? I’m preaching to the choir here folks, especially for the quality sleep part. Remind me next week that I said this, ok?

What do you need to make a Paloma Cocktail that’s Lighter and Lower in Sugar?

Go grab the following:

  • Winter Citrus fruit (like Tangerines, grapefruit, and Navel Oranges)
  • A touch natural sweetener (like agave and orange peel or zest)
  • Sparkling water or low cal soda (like these bubbles)
  • Quality tequila silver
  • All the pretty garnishes like coarse salt and flowers and lemon slices!

How do you make the best Paloma Cocktail?

Well that’s easy!

Juice the fruit, mix with agave, tequila. Rim you glasses with salt.  Pour the juice and tequila in the glasses (With optional Ice), Then you add you bubbles!! This is my version of a lighter Paloma fresca without the sugar soda, and it’s HEAVENLY!

And what about the mocktail version? Is there such thing as a Paloma Mocktail?

Well, we like our mocktails too. Although I haven’t tried a Paloma Mocktail, it is doable! Might I suggest replacing the tequila with white grape juice or apple juice? Not as low in sugar as the original, but I bet it’s still delish! You can also just leave out the alcohol all together. If you try it, let me know!

Close up overhead view oranges sliced in a baking sheet.
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Two cocktail glasses filled with citrus paloma cocktail, orange slices floating in drinks

Light Citrus Paloma Cocktail Recipe


★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 -3 1x
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Description

Light Citrus Paloma Cocktail Recipe with Orange


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 –2 large oranges, juiced or 4 ounces fresh orange juice – preferably cold
  • Splash of lemon or lime juice, plus extra for lining the rim of glasses with salt (if desired)
  • 2– 3.5 ounces tequila blanco/silver
  • 2 Tablespoons or more agave nectar (light), adjust to your liking
  • Coarse sea salt or margarita salt for garnishing rim glass
  • Optional ice
  • Chilled 10 to 14 oz sparkling citrus/flavored water or low calorie soda (Such as La Croix or Bai Bubbles grapefruit that’s sugar free) See notes.
  • Lemon (or other citrus fruit) slices to garnish
  • Orange peel to garnish and/or fresh edible flowers to garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large container or bowl, juice the orange and lemon or lime juice.
  2. Mix in agave and tequila. Set aside.
  3. Take the sliced/cut lime or lemon wedge and moisten the rim with it. Then dip each glass in the coarse salt (if desired). Alternatively, you can also just add a splash of salt to the drink if you prefer not to dip the rim in salt.
  4. Next pour the tequila and juice mix evenly into the 2 glasses (with or without ice if you prefer).
  5. Top each glass with 5-7 ounces of sparkling flavored water or low cal soda into each glass. (10-14 ounces total)
  6. Garnish with a spritz of lemon juice and then garnish with a pinch of orange peel and/or herbs, flowers for festive look!

Notes

  • Low Sugar Sparkling water or grapefruit soda options – La Croix, Bai Bubbles, or Izze Sparkling grapefruit are all naturally sweetened with no added sugar.
  • This is easy to make in a cocktail shaker. Just combine all ingredients then top with sparkling water before serving. You can easily make 3 smaller glasses for serving. Or double! Adjust tequila/agave sweetener to your liking

  • If you are using a sparkling water versus a low cal soda, then you might need to adjust the agave to sweeten to your liking. The low cal soda will be more sweet, so less agave is needed.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 0 min
  • Category: drink
  • Method: mix
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 105
  • Sugar: 12.6 g
  • Sodium: 632 mg
  • Fat: 0.2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19.6 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 0.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: cocktail, mexican, light, low sugar, sugar free, drink, paloma, holiday drink

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

I must leave you with one more nerdy Paloma FUN FACT!

Did you know that Paloma is spanish for DOVE? Which is a sign for PEACE. So…. There’s that and just more confirmation that this tequila cocktail definitely fits into the holidays, amen!! PALOMA, LOVE, JOY!

Cocktail glasses filled with citrus paloma, orange slices floating in drinks.

What are you raising your glass to this week? Do share and let’s celebration!

Cheers!

LC

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Categories: Dairy-Free, Drinks, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Nightshade-Free, Nut-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian Tags: cocktails, easy, fruit, holidays, party-foods

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cocktail glasses pin paloma
cocktail glasses pin paloma
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. fnaf

    04/02/2019 at 10:38 PM

    Light Paloma cocktail with orange looks very attractive. with a very cool orange flavor and a stick. I like so much. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      04/03/2019 at 12:27 AM

      I’m glad you liked it!! My pleasure:)

      Reply
  2. Gaby Dalkin

    12/30/2018 at 7:50 AM

    Cheers to this seriously good-looking cocktail!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      12/30/2018 at 12:51 PM

      Cheers my lovely friend!

      Reply
  3. Jess @hellotofit

    12/25/2015 at 9:47 AM

    Ummm, you know I love tequila, right? Well, now you do! This looks AMAZING and who cares that it’s 10AM, I’d drink one!

    Reply
  4. Katie

    12/24/2015 at 4:54 PM

    Do you think the Fed Ex driver would be willing to drive me some to Wisconsin? 😉 Merry Christmas <3 <3

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      12/24/2015 at 5:37 PM

      I’ll pay him extra!

      Reply
  5. dixya | food, pleasure, and health

    12/24/2015 at 1:20 PM

    its 5’o clock somewhere right plus its holiday season, so may i have a pitcher of this please?

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      12/24/2015 at 2:53 PM

      you know it! cheers!

      Reply
  6. Jen

    12/23/2015 at 4:19 PM

    A cocktail that is gut healthy – yes please! I’ve been drinking some spiked coffee today and loving it!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      12/24/2015 at 7:01 AM

      now that sounds like a good plan! i must try!

      Reply
  7. Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A.

    12/23/2015 at 2:22 PM

    Who knew tequila was such a superbeverage?! This cocktail looks absolutely delicious and refreshing!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      12/23/2015 at 5:46 PM

      so is! cheers to you friend!

      Reply
  8. Amber @ Awakened Nutrition

    12/23/2015 at 1:22 PM

    Yumm tequila!! This holiday bevy sounds absolutely fabulous, Lindsay! Merry Christmas girly! xo

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  9. Sarah

    12/23/2015 at 12:56 PM

    Cheers to that! Happy holidays and Merry Christmas Lindsay!

    Reply
  10. [email protected]

    12/23/2015 at 12:52 PM

    Finally! A health excuse to drink tequila! Thanks Lindsay!!

    Reply
  11. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table

    12/23/2015 at 12:49 PM

    Looooove this! I actually ate an orange yesterday because I was feeling scratchy. Best to add booze to kill all the germs! AND I have Lucie here now. You know there will be no sobriety.

    Reply
  12. Yum Yucky

    12/23/2015 at 11:30 AM

    Well how about that. I didn’t know tequila has gut-health benefits. Very cool!

    Reply
  13. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

    12/23/2015 at 11:01 AM

    Ahhh perfectly festive and bright!!!

    Reply
  14. Presley @ RUN PRETTY

    12/23/2015 at 10:08 AM

    If you need me, I’ll be counting down the days until I can drink this. #pregprobz

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  15. [email protected]

    12/23/2015 at 8:52 AM

    I’m in, she says, while raising first her right hand and then just as quickly her left. I want a holiday cocktail. Yes, yes please. I’m near desperate for one in fact. 🙂

    Reply
  16. Michele @ paleorunningmomma

    12/23/2015 at 8:12 AM

    Is it bad if I’m craving this now?! Feeling festive – love it!

    Reply
  17. Katie @ mom to mom nutrition

    12/23/2015 at 7:41 AM

    I had no idea tequila had those health benefits! No wonder it’s my favorite 😉 Paloma, love, joy my friend! Merry Christmas xo.

    Reply
  18. Susie @ SuzLyfe

    12/23/2015 at 7:21 AM

    Drink alcohol, kill all the bad germs, works for me! I might as well start now (at 630). I blame you 😀

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      12/23/2015 at 7:38 AM

      blame me, i can take it. p.s it helps with pain (tequila) hint hint

      Reply
  19. Blair

    12/23/2015 at 6:16 AM

    Yes, please! I could use a drink (or 10) right now! Christmas is so fun, but so CRAZY with three little boys. 🙂

    I’m loving citrus right now, too. I’ve been using it in EVERYTHING, and I love that the fruit actually tastes good at this time of year. Now maybe all of that Vitamin C can chase away the nasty colds going through this house? Snotty noses everywhere! 🙂

    Have a great holiday, Lindsay!

    Reply
  20. Megan @ skinny fitalicious

    12/23/2015 at 6:08 AM

    Drinking for gut health? I’m in! My stomach is still extremely sensitive so drinking is something I’ve avoided.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch

      12/23/2015 at 7:13 AM

      and you know what’s best. It’s all so individual. But I found some real spirits to kind of be like kombucha, a little goes a long way. 😉

      Reply

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cocktail glasses pin paloma
cocktail glasses pin paloma
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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