Cocktail Art
Grapefruit
The Grapefruit cocktail is a simple, refreshing drink that balances the botanical notes of gin with the bright, bitter-sour profile of fresh grapefruit juice. A touch of simple syrup rounds out the sharp edges, making it an approachable sour. It is an excellent choice for warm afternoons, brunch, or as a crisp pre-dinner aperitif.
- GlassHighball
- MethodShake
- Time3 min
- Strength≈ 11% ABV
How to make a Grapefruit
Shake it in a highball with ice cubes. About 3 minutes.
- Add the gin, fresh grapefruit juice, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice cubes.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain the drink into a highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Bartender’s tips
- For a more malty and robust herbal profile, you can substitute the gin with genever.
- Always use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice rather than bottled juice to ensure a bright, vibrant flavor.
- Chill your highball glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep the drink cold longer.
You may also like
If you enjoy this refreshing gin and citrus combination, you might also like these classic drinks: Long Island Ice Tea, Gin Fizz, John Collins, and American Collins.
1 100+ more recipes in your pocket
Core recipes and your bar are free. Premium unlocks all collections, substitutes and AI photos for your own cocktails.
★ 4.6 · 584 ratingsGrapefruit questions
Can I substitute the gin in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the gin with genever for a different herbal profile, or use vodka for a cleaner taste.
How strong is the Grapefruit cocktail?
This cocktail has an alcohol by volume of about 11%, making it a relatively light and refreshing drink.
What kind of grapefruit juice works best?
Freshly squeezed pink or ruby red grapefruit juice works best as it provides a good balance of sweetness and acidity.