This refreshing Strawberry Chamomile Paloma puts a floral twist on the classic Paloma cocktail. Featuring homemade chamomile honey syrup, fresh strawberries, grapefruit juice, and a splash of tequila, it’s a light and vibrant drink perfect for spring and summer sipping.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For Chamomile Honey Syrup:

• ¾ cup water

• ⅓ cup honey

• 1–2 chamomile tea bags

For Strawberry Chamomile Paloma (per serving):

• 3 oz grapefruit juice

• 2–4 tbsp chamomile honey syrup (to taste)

• 2 oz tequila blanco

• 4 strawberries

• Sparkling water

• Ice

Directions

1. Make the Chamomile Honey Syrup: In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat, add chamomile tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Discard the tea bags and stir in the honey until dissolved. Let cool completely.

2. Muddle the Strawberries: In a cocktail shaker or glass, muddle the strawberries until juicy.

3. Mix the Drink: Add grapefruit juice, tequila, and chamomile honey syrup to the muddled strawberries. Fill with ice and shake or stir to combine.

4. Serve: Strain (optional) into a glass filled with ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a strawberry or a slice of grapefruit if desired.

Nutrients (Per serving)

• Calories: 144

• Fat: 0.2g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Protein: 0.2g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Sodium: 6mg

A Harmonious Blend of Ingredients

What sets this cocktail apart is its thoughtful composition. It doesn’t rely on a heavy-handed approach or overpowering spirits. Instead, it achieves complexity through balance. The grapefruit juice offers tartness and brightness, the strawberries contribute a burst of fruitiness and color, and the chamomile honey syrup introduces a unique floral sweetness that’s both calming and unexpected.

Chamomile, often reserved for bedtime teas, finds a surprising new role in this cocktail. When steeped and combined with honey, it creates a syrup that’s delicate but distinct—an infusion that adds depth without overwhelming the palate. Tequila blanco provides the backbone with its crisp, earthy tones, and sparkling water brings everything together with a bubbly finish.

Each sip delivers a layered experience. The floral notes of chamomile emerge subtly at first, followed by the juicy essence of muddled strawberries, and then the familiar zing of grapefruit and tequila. The sparkling water lifts the drink, making it feel airy and refreshing, perfect for moments when you want something more refined than a sugary soda but less potent than a spirit-forward cocktail.

The Appeal of Seasonal Flavors

The Strawberry Chamomile Paloma is a quintessential seasonal drink. Strawberries hit their peak in spring and early summer, offering optimal flavor and sweetness. Their natural juiciness makes them ideal for muddling into drinks, especially when paired with citrus and herbal elements. Chamomile, though available year-round in tea form, evokes springtime with its subtle, floral aroma and golden hue.

Together, these ingredients feel inherently light and fresh. They invite you to slow down, enjoy the warmth of the sun, and savor the moment. This cocktail isn’t just about refreshment—it’s about creating an atmosphere of ease and enjoyment. It fits seamlessly into garden brunches, picnics, al fresco dinners, and leisurely weekends spent on the patio.

Moreover, the ability to adjust the sweetness of the drink using more or less chamomile honey syrup allows you to tailor it to your preferences. Want something light and dry? Use just a touch. Prefer it a little sweeter? Add an extra spoonful. This versatility ensures it suits a wide range of palates and occasions.

Crafting the Chamomile Honey Syrup

The homemade chamomile honey syrup is the soul of this drink. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge for several days. This syrup can also be repurposed in other recipes—drizzle it over yogurt, stir it into iced tea, or use it to sweeten other cocktails or mocktails.

By combining water, honey, and chamomile tea bags, the syrup brings not just flavor but a gentle aroma that elevates the sensory experience of the drink. It subtly relaxes the drinker, playing on chamomile’s natural soothing qualities. It’s a clever and elegant twist that turns an everyday Paloma into something more ethereal.

The choice of honey over granulated sugar is also significant. Honey has a richer, more nuanced sweetness that complements chamomile and strawberries without becoming cloying. It melts easily into the mixture and brings a soft golden glow to the drink’s appearance.

Health-Conscious and Naturally Refreshing

Despite being a cocktail, the Strawberry Chamomile Paloma is relatively light in calories, coming in at around 144 per serving. It contains minimal fat and sodium and relies mostly on natural sugars from fruit and honey. For those looking to enjoy a drink without excess heaviness, this is an excellent option.

Its high water content and use of fresh ingredients make it one of the more hydrating cocktail choices, especially when topped generously with sparkling water. You can even make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the tequila—still delicious and refreshing, perfect for guests who prefer to skip the booze.

Because the drink is built on muddled fruit, herbal infusion, and natural sweeteners, it feels closer to a spa beverage than a traditional bar cocktail. It’s an ideal option for health-conscious drinkers or anyone looking to indulge in something delicious that doesn’t sacrifice freshness or quality.

Versatility and Presentation Tips

The Strawberry Chamomile Paloma can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a casual afternoon, serve it over ice in mason jars with paper straws and fresh mint. For more formal gatherings, pour it into stemless wine glasses or coupe glasses and garnish with edible flowers or a grapefruit twist.

It’s also easily scalable. You can make a large batch in a pitcher, ideal for entertaining groups. Just multiply the base ingredients, muddle the strawberries in advance, and keep the sparkling water separate until serving to preserve the fizz. Having the chamomile honey syrup prepared in advance makes batch preparation even more convenient.

For added flair, consider rimming the glasses with a mix of sugar and dried chamomile flowers. It adds texture, aroma, and a visual cue that this isn’t your average cocktail.

Perfect Pairings

This Paloma pairs beautifully with light appetizers and seasonal fare. Think fresh ceviche, avocado toast, grilled vegetables, or cheese boards with soft goat cheese and fruit. The floral and citrus notes complement dishes with herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro, and the tequila base ensures it can stand up to mild spice without being overpowered.

It also pairs well with brunch menus—particularly dishes like strawberry crepes, citrus salads, smoked salmon, or herbed quiches. The strawberry and honey combination enhances sweeter dishes, while the grapefruit and tequila bring out the brightness in savory bites.

For dessert pairings, try it with shortcakes, lemon bars, or panna cotta. Anything that plays well with fruit and floral notes will feel harmonious alongside this drink.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Chamomile Paloma is more than a cocktail—it’s an experience. With its elegant fusion of floral chamomile, sweet strawberries, tart grapefruit, and smooth tequila, it redefines what a seasonal drink can be. The homemade syrup adds an artisanal touch that enhances the drink’s overall depth, while the use of fresh ingredients ensures it remains vibrant and light.

Whether you’re sipping slowly on a spring afternoon or raising a toast at a summer celebration, this cocktail brings a unique combination of relaxation and refreshment. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and endlessly adaptable. The Strawberry Chamomile Paloma is not just a drink for the moment—it’s a drink for creating moments worth remembering.