Paloma Pitchers & Rosé Sangria

Drinks for Mother’s Day, a backyard brunch, or an impromptu hang on the patio

If you’re hosting anything this spring, Mother’s Day, a backyard brunch, or an impromptu hang on the patio, then these two pitcher cocktails are your answer to easy, elevated sipping.

But first, some tunes:

We’re going floral with a Hibiscus Paloma Pitcher, made with your homemade hibiscus syrup and topped with grapefruit soda or sparkling water for that classic Paloma fizz.

And for something that looks straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie: a Rosé Sangria Spritz. Think rosé wine, sliced citrus and strawberries, a hint of orange liqueur, and just before serving—topped with bubbly prosecco. She’s elegant, she’s fresh, and she’s dangerously drinkable.

Let’s get into the Hibiscus Paloma Pitcher first:

Hibiscus Simple Syrup: (with Citrus + Spice Variations)

Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers (flor de jamaica)

Optional Add-Ins (choose 1–2 for depth):

• Zest of 1 lime or orange (adds brightness)

• 1 cinnamon stick (warm and spiced)

• 2–3 whole cloves or allspice berries (adds holiday spice)

• 1 slice of fresh ginger (spicy and aromatic)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (rounds out the floral notes), but add this while it’s cooling (don’t cook this down)

Instructions:

1. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

2. Add hibiscus flowers and any optional flavorings you’re using.

3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–10 minutes. Avoid boiling too hard—gentle is better.

4. Remove from heat and let steep for 15–20 minutes to deepen the flavors.

5. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar or bottle. Discard solids.

6. Cool to room temperature before sealing. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Hibiscus Paloma Pitcher (serves approx. 6-8)

Seagrass Picnic Pitcher link

Glassware link

Ingredients:

• ½ cup hibiscus syrup

• ½ cup fresh lime juice

• 1 cup grapefruit juice

• 1½ cups tequila blanco

• Grapefruit soda (or club soda), to top

Instructions:

1. Combine the hibiscus syrup, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and tequila in a large pitcher.

2. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

3. When serving, rim glasses with salt and fill with ice.

4. Fill each glass about two-thirds full with the Paloma mixture.

5. Top with grapefruit soda and garnish as desired.

Rosé Sangria with Cardamom-Orange Syrup

Link to pitcher

Link to glassware

So this syrup I actually had left over from Carolina’s book: Pass The Plate & I highly recommend getting the book because the recipe for our Olive Oil Orange Upside Down cake was EVERYTHING. So, that’s what I used here. But I’m writing up just an easy little syrup recipe if you don’t have the book quite yet, but want to use it in your sangria this weekend.

Cardamom-Orange Syrup:

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup water

• Zest of 1 orange

• 4–5 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed

To make the syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, orange zest, and cardamom pods.

2. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

3. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to infuse, then remove from heat.

4. Let it cool, then strain and discard solids.

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Rosé Sangria

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle dry rosé wine

• ½ cup Cardamom-Orange Syrup (recipe above)

• ½ cup Cointreau

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• ½ grapefruit, sliced

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved

Instructions:

1. Combine the rosé, cardamom-orange syrup, and Cointreau in a large pitcher.

2. Add all the sliced fruit and gently stir to mix.

3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Serve over ice, optionally topped with prosecco for your spritz dreams!

Quick Mother’s Day Hosting Tips

1. Make a Drink Station
Set up a self-serve bar with sparkling water, wine, fresh citrus, and your homemade hibiscus syrup. Add a little sign that says “Pour Some Love.”

2. Serve a Signature Pitcher Cocktail
Save yourself from playing bartender all day. Pre-batch something like a Hibiscus Paloma, Rose Sangria, or citrus spritz and chill in a pretty pitcher.

3. Add Edible Flowers
Dress up drinks, desserts, or even ice cubes with edible flowers like pansies or violets. Instant elegance with zero effort.

4. Sweet & Savory Brunch Boards
Mix pastries, cheeses, fruits, and jams on a big board for a no-cook, no-stress centerpiece.

5. Handwritten Notes as Place Cards
Write a simple note to each guest (especially mom!) and tuck it into a napkin or tie with twine. It’s personal, thoughtful, and memorable.

6. Keep the Playlist Light & Happy
Think jazz, acoustic covers, or your mom’s favorite tunes—easygoing vibes go a long way.

7. Fresh Flowers, Always
Grab blooms from your garden or local market and pop them in bud vases around your table for an instant lift.

Xoxo, cheers!