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Welcoming in this 4th of July weekend with an extra bubbly Firecracker Champagne Paloma. Fresh rosemary smashed together with lime, grapefruit, and tequila, then topped off with bubbly champagne. Frozen red, white, and blue fruit ice cubes add a festive 4th of July touch. This champagne cocktail makes for a simple, quick, and festive summertime cocktail. Itโs the bubbly champagne that seals the deal and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
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With tomorrow being the 4th of July, I couldnโt resist sharing one more fun holiday cocktail with you guysโฆeven if it was truly the last thing I should be doingโฆI just had to. You all know I have so much fun with the drinks, especially ones that have a holiday focus. And guys, I had way too much fun with this one.
And honestly, Asher too, because I enlisted her help with all those sparklers. Though she was upset I didnโt make her a virgin Paloma, but I promised her I would in Mexico.
Anyway, keeping this short and to the point. This is SO EASY, you can make it ahead of time, itโs delicious, and of course, itโs so much fun!
Start with the red, white, and blue fruit ice cubes
Arenโt these fun? I know theyโre nothing new or anything, but Iโve never made fruit ice cubes before. And making them festive for the fourth celebrations was way too easy. I cut out mini watermelon stars, then used blueberries and raspberries. Added water to my ice cube trays and froze them for a couple of hours.
Thatโs it, and they turned out so cute with so little effort. Asher and I thought they made the drink extra special. You can mix and match your fruits, or even add edible flowers or herbs. Make them what you want and have fun!
Onto the Paloma
Honestly, this is a pretty classic Paloma, but itโs obviously made special with a little jalapeรฑo tequilia (if youโd like) and champagne.
Simply muddle some lime juice with fresh rosemary, add grapefruit juice and tequila, then chill the mix until you are ready to serve.
When ready, rim your glass in sea salt or better yet, spicy tajin. The only reason I used regular salt was that I wasnโt loving the color of the tajin with the pretty fruit ice cubesโฆand Iโm a perfectionistโฆso I had to ditch it.
Next add ice, pour over the Paloma mix, and garnish with lots of bubbly champagne. So fun, refreshing, and such a great summer cocktail. Whether itโs for the 4th or any other summer night, celebrate, and soak summer in!
Hoping you guys love this as much as we do. Have a very fun 4th! See you Monday for a special edition of Nine Favorite Things!
Looking for other fun summer drink recipes? Here are some favorites:
Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosรฉ
Lastly, if you make this Firecracker Champagne Paloma, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, donโt forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Firecracker Champagne Paloma
Ingredientsย
- watermelon, blueberries, and raspberries, (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar, (optional)
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 cups tequila or jalapeรฑo tequila
- 1 1/2 cups grapefruit juice
- 1 (750ml) bottle champagne, chilled
Instructionsย
- 1. To make the ice, arrange star-shaped pieces of watermelon, blueberries, and raspberries in ice cube trays. Fill with water. Freeze at least 2 hours.2. In a pitcher, muddle the sugar (if using), rosemary, and lime juice until the rosemary has broken down a bit. Add the tequila and grapefruit juice. Stir to combine. Chill until ready to serve.3. To serve, rim your glasses in salt, then fill with frozen fruit ice. Pour over the paloma mix. Top each drink off with champagne. Add extra ice so it's popping out of the drink. Drink and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
How would these be with Prosecco instead of Champagne?
Hey Naomi,
Yes, that would work nicely for you! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xT
Could you use something other than tequila? It doesnโt agree with me.๐
Thanks
Hi Jamie,
Sure, vodka would also work well for you! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope it’s a hit! Cheers! xx
Thanks!
Hi!
I wanted to make this in a jug for a party? What do you recommend for that?
Thank you so much In advance! Canโt wait to try this. I love your recipes!
Hi Madison,
This recipe is already written in bulk for a pitcher size:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
Do you leave the rosemary stems whole or remove the sprigs from the stem?
Hey Emily,
You will want to remove the rosemary from the stem:) I hope you love this recipe, cheers!! xTieghan
You are great! My sister, Gloria, ran into your family this evening in Sayulita! A nice surprise!
Awe I love this!! Such a small world, thanks for following Marilyn!! xTieghan
I love a good paloma so I can’t wait to try this but I need to know…where did you get that cup?!
Hey Rika,
So sorry I no longer have a link for this cup, it’s old from Anthropologie. Cheers! xTieghan
Did not enjoy these I felt like they lacked flavor ad maybe I executed them incorrectly but wonโt be making them again.
Hey Annie,
Sorry to hear this, was there anything you adjusted? Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Any suggestions for a substitute for rosemary? Not a huge fan but the rest of this looks yummy! Could always just forgo rosemary/herb but wondering what your recommendation is for a sub.
Hey Jen,
You could just skip the rosemary, thyme would also work here! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
These drinks look delicious and so festive! Can you share the name of the jalapeรฑo tequila please? Thank you!
Hey Lisa,
Thanks so much! I just make my own by slicing jalapeรฑos and putting them into a bottle of tequila. I hope you love the recipe! Cheers! xTieghan
So cute and refreshing! I made myself a sample and to make a pitcher for tonight!
Hey Sally,
Happy Monday! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xxTieghan
Looks Adorable and delicious! Where is the hand held juicer you use to make these on your IG stories from ? Thanks!
Thanks so much Michelle! Here’s the link for the juicer:
https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/chefn-orange-juicer/?pkey=s%7Cjuicer%7C90
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Boiling the water before turning into ice helps make it clearer! Love this festive drink idea!
Thanks so much Anna! xTieghan
I love the glasses! Where are they from?
I think these glasses are WILLIAM SONOMA, GLOW.
Hey Sally,
So sorry these glasses are old from Anthropologie so I no longer have a link! Happy 4th! xTieghan