Drinks

Sage Ginger Paloma Recipe

ByBen Miller October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

This Sage Ginger Paloma is a refreshing twist on the classic grapefruit cocktail, blending warm ginger and aromatic sage with bright citrus flavors. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or a festive gathering, it offers a balanced mix of sweet, tart, and herbal notes.

Two short clear glasses filled with a light brown drink and crushed ice on top, each glass rim coated thickly with coarse sugar crystals. On the surface of each drink, there are bright red pomegranate seeds scattered, a fresh green sage leaf, and a dark brown star anise placed neatly. The glasses have small star patterns on them and rest on a white marbled surface with scattered coarse salt and star anise nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
1/3 cup fresh sage leaves
1 star anise
3 ounces (1/3 cup) grapefruit juice
2 ounces (1/4 cup) silver tequila
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/3 cup sparkling grapefruit seltzer or ginger beer
Pomegranate arils, for serving
2 tablespoons sea salt
1 tablespoon coarse sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: To make the sage ginger syrup, combine 1/2 cup water, honey, sliced ginger, sage leaves, and star anise in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and store the syrup in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Step 2: On a small plate, mix the sea salt and coarse sugar. Dip the rim of your serving glass into vanilla extract, then into the salt and sugar mixture to coat the rim evenly.
Step 3: Fill the prepared glass with ice. Add grapefruit juice, tequila, and lime juice. Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of the sage ginger syrup and stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Top the drink with sparkling grapefruit seltzer or ginger beer. Garnish with pomegranate arils and a fresh sage leaf before serving.
Step 5: To make a mocktail, omit the tequila and add 2 tablespoons more grapefruit juice and 2 tablespoons more sparkling seltzer or ginger beer in its place.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh ginger for the best flavor in the syrup; dried ginger can be a substitute but will alter the taste.
Adjust the sweetness of the syrup by adding more or less honey or brown sugar depending on your preference.
Try swapping the grapefruit seltzer for ginger beer for a spicier, sweeter finish.
For a salt-free rim, simply use sugar or leave the rim plain.

Storage

Store the sage ginger syrup in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Mix the cocktail fresh before serving for the best fizz and flavor. Leftover mixed drinks are best enjoyed immediately, but the syrup can be kept well in advance.

How to Serve

Two short clear glasses filled with an orange-brown drink, each layered with ice cubes making the top look frosty and uneven. The rims of the glasses are coated thickly with coarse golden sugar crystals. On the top surface of each drink, there are bright red pomegranate seeds scattered, a single fresh green leaf with visible veins placed upright, and a dark brown star anise spice. The glasses sit on a warm brown surface scattered with coarse salt and star anise pods, though the surface and background are adjusted to a white marbled texture. The scene is warmly lit with shadows adding depth and a cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the syrup ahead of time?

Yes, the sage ginger syrup can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It actually develops deeper flavors after resting.

What can I use instead of tequila?

If you prefer a different spirit, blanco rum or vodka work well in this cocktail. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol and increase the grapefruit juice and seltzer as directed in the mocktail instructions.

Ben Miller