Low-Carb Paloma Fizz Sugar-Free Highball Recipe
This riff on the theme of Low-Carb Tequila-based highballs came about when I heard of a drink called a Paloma–tequila mixed with grapefruit soda such as Fresca or Squirt, served with a wedge of lime. (Or, if you’re Bon Appetit magazine, a combination of tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, sugar, lime, and club soda.) I could drink Fresca, of course, it being one of the old classic diet sodas, but I long ago lost my taste for anything that sweet. I find this recipe far more refreshing.
- Category: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 shot tequila
- 1/2–1 shot lime juice
- 4–5 drops liquid sucralose or 8-10 drops liquid stevia (I’d stick with plain liquid stevia or lemon liquid stevia here)
- Chilled grapefruit sparkling water (I like La Croix)
Instructions
- Combine the tequila, lime juice, and sweetener in a tall glass, fill with ice, then the sparkling water, and top up as you go.
Notes
Do yourself a favor and skip the Cuervo brand. As a die-hard tequila girl, I find it awfully harsh. In the same price range, I much prefer Sauza Gold or Cazadores Reposado, both far smoother than Cuervo, even sippable straight up. For a milder tequila flavor, go with a silver tequila, but I prefer the “gold” reposados.
As for the definition of a “shot”: I inherited my parents’ 1960s vintage jigger. It holds 2 fluid ounces, aka ¼ cup, and has a line halfway up to measure a 1-ounce shot. I fill it all the way with tequila and half- to three-quarters with lime juice.
I confess to using Nellie and Joe’s brand bottled lime juice but feel free to use fresh limes if you like. I sometimes add a wedge along with the bottled stuff.
