Light Paloma Cocktail with Orange {Refined Sugar Free}

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.

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!

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.

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!

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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!

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

Cheers!

LC