When it comes to refreshing cocktails, nothing quite beats the zing of a grapefruit gin cocktail. It's bright, tangy, and oh-so-easy to sip on a hot summer day—or any time of year, really.
But here's the thing that makes this cocktail stand out: it’s not just about the crisp citrus bite. This gin and grapefruit cocktail has layers of flavour—sweet, sour, herbal, and refreshing—that make it an absolute favourited for any occasion.
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This Grapefruit Gin is a Year-Round Favourite
Sure, it’s perfect for summer barbecues, but honestly? This grapefruit gin cocktail shines all year round. Whether you’re curled up by the fire during winter or lounging on your patio during spring, the blend of gin and grapefruit juice brings the perfect balance of bright acidity and a subtle sweetness. Plus, the rosemary garnish adds an earthy note that feels festive during the holiday season or calming in the middle of a busy week.
Do Gin and Grapefruit Juice Go Together?
Absolutely, yes! The combination of gin and grapefruit is a match made in cocktail heaven. The botanical and slightly peppery notes of gin pair beautifully with the tart, citrusy flavour of grapefruit juice. It’s a duo that’s both refreshing and complex, perfect for a drink that you can enjoy at any time of day. That’s why you’ll find so many variations of gin grapefruit cocktails across menus and bars—it just works!
Ingredients for the grapefruit gin cocktail
- Four pillars Gin (your favourite brand works great)
- Grapefruit (pink grapefruit for a hint of sweetness)
- Grapefruit cordial or simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Club soda (for that fizz!)
- Sugar
- Fresh rosemary
Why Grapefruit Cordial is the Perfect Shortcut
I chose grapefruit cordial instead of simple syrup because I am all about super easy, delicious recipes. Why make simple syrup when the cordial gives you sweetness and boosts that bright grapefruit flavour in one quick step? It's a time-saver that packs extra punch.
If it's Christmas or I'm feeling festive, I’ll make a batch of simple syrup for candied rosemary and cranberries to add that extra holiday sparkle!
How to Make a Grapefruit Gin with Rosemary
This gin cocktail is everything you want in a drink—zesty, herbal, and delightfully bubbly. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make. A few fresh ingredients, a shake or two, and you’ve got yourself a stunning cocktail that’s ready for any moment.
Easy Steps for This Recipe:
Time needed: 5 minutes
- Rim the glass
Rub the wedge of grapefruit around the rim of your glass, then dip the glass into sugar, salt and zest to give it a lightly sweetened edge.
- Shake it up
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit cordial (if using). Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Serve
Strain the mixture into your rimmed glass filled with (or without) ice cubes. Top it off with a splash of club soda for that fizzy touch.
- Garnish
Add a sprig of rosemary and a slice of grapefruit for a picture-perfect cocktail.
How to Make it Festive
Hosting a holiday party or looking for something a little extra special? Add a splash of cranberry juice or a few pomegranate seeds for a festive flair. The red hue pairs beautifully with the pink grapefruit gin, making this drink as visually stunning as it is delicious. You can also make it extra festive by adding candied rosemary. The sugared coating gives it a beautiful frosted look, perfect for holiday cocktails.
To make them, simply dip fresh rosemary in a simple syrup, roll it in sugar, and let them dry. (Stay tuned for a full guide on how to make candied rosemary and cranberries—I'll link it here soon!)
What is Gin and Grapefruit Called?
It might be tempting to call this a simple grapefruit gin cocktail, but did you know there’s a classic name for the pairing? It’s known as a "Salty Dog" if served with a salted rim, and when you add club soda or tonic water, you’ve got yourself a version of the popular Grapefruit Gin Fizz or just a fresh take on a gin and tonic with grapefruit.
Recipe
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Grapefruit Gin Cocktail
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
There’s something magical about the combination of grapefruit and gin. The slight bitterness of the grapefruit juice mixed with the floral notes of gin creates a cocktail that’s refreshing yet sophisticated. And when you add in a sprig of rosemary? It turns this simple drink into something truly special.
Ingredients
For the rim
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- Zest of half a grapefruit
For the cocktail
- 50ml gin (your favourite brand works great)
- 100ml freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (pink grapefruit for a hint of sweetness)
- 20ml Grapefruit cordial (optional, adjust to taste) note 1
- Ice cubes
- Club soda (for that fizz!)
For garnish
- Wedge of grapefruit
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the decorative rim:
- On a small plate, mix the sugar, sea salt, and grapefruit zest. Rub a wedge of grapefruit around the rim of your glass to moisten it, then dip the glass into the mixture, coating the rim with the zesty, sweet, and salty blend.
Prep your ingredients:
- Start by juicing your grapefruit. Make sure to remove any seeds for a smooth drink.
Mix the cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, gin, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit cordial (note 1). Shake it well until the mixture is nice and chilled.
Serve:
- Strain the mix into your rimmed glass filled with ice (or without ice). For a lighter, more refreshing drink, top it off with a splash of club soda.
Garnish:
- Add a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of fresh rosemary for a fragrant, decorative finish.
Notes
- I chose grapefruit cordial instead of simple syrup because I am all about super easy, delicious recipes. Feel free to use simple syrup instead, around 15 ml per cocktail should be enough, but add more or less according to taste.
Here is how to make it:
To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool before using. Store in the fridge for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
If you're feeling festive, check out our delicious Biscoff Butter Cookie! —a perfect sweet treat for a cozy Christmas weekend with family and friends. Pair it with a refreshing Grapefruit Gin Cocktail for a balance of sweet and zesty flavours that everyone will love!
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