Grapefruit Gimlet Cocktail Recipe
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Jump to RecipeThis grapefruit gimlet recipe is a refreshing take on a classic summer cocktail. With a homemade grapefruit simple syrup, fresh juices, and gin or vodka.
It’s a fantastic twist on a classic gimlet cocktail, with tart and sweet fresh citrus. Ready in just 5 minutes, you can make one cocktail or a batch for a crowd!
Want more tasty cocktail recipes? Try our hibiscus margarita, blueberry lemonade fizz, or our favorite blood orange vodka cocktail.
My all time favorite cocktail is the Gin Gimlet. The classic version has 2 ingredients: gin and Rose’s Lime Syrup, a 50/50 ratio, poured over ice. But I like to jazz it up a bit with some fresh citrus!
This grapefruit version takes the classic to a whole new level. The Grapefruit Gimlet is made with bright grapefruit juice, and a simple (yet impressive) homemade simple syrup, and your favorite gin or vodka. A great 21+ cocktail.
Why This Grapefruit Gimlet Works
- It’s sweet, cool, and refreshing.
- The fresh grapefruit juice adds great flavor.
- Delightful, bright, and vibrant.
- It has a tasty sweet and sour combo!
- Great to make a big batch of and serve at a party
Fresh Grapefruit Cocktail
The fresh grapefruit and lime juices make this cocktail complete. There’s no substitute for the real deal when it comes to juice: fresh squeezed makes the difference.
The fresh grapefruit and lime juices provide a pleasant acidity which pairs well with the sweet syrup and herbal gin. You can absolutely use bottled juice, but if you have the real deal, then use fresh.
What’s In This Grapefruit Gimlet?
Be sure to visit the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and recipe instructions!
- Gin or vodka of choice: whether you like a earthy, mild, or botanical gin, any will work for this cocktail! Or of you prefer vodka, you can use that too.
- Grapefruit Juice: fresh squeezed please! If not, the bottled will work but the freshness makes a ton of difference.
- Lime Juice: same as above, fresh squeezed if possible.
- Simple Syrup: I made a grapefruit simple syrup (so easy, I’ll post the recipe below) but if you have normal simple syrup or Rose’s Lime that’ll do!
Grapefruit seems to be one of those fruits you either love or hate. I can’t get enough grapefruit, I love the tartness, the sweetness, and eating it out of the peel.
How Do I Made Grapefruit Simple Syrup?
- In a large mason jar, add the peels from 1 grapefruit, 1/2 cup is sugar, and 1/2 cup water.
- Allow the peels to soak for 1 hour- not much longer or else they will get bitter.
- Remove the peels and refrigerate the syrup!
Recipe FAQs
You can use bottled, however fresh is preferable for the best flavor! If you use the fresh grapefruit, you can also use the peel and infuse some gin or vodka with the peel.
Up to personal preference, but I like to use fin. My favorite is dry gin which has a clean, crisp flavor, but you can try different types of gin to match your personal taste. A citrus-flavored vodka or gin would also add great flavor.
This recipe is slightly sweet – but you can adjust. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add more simple syrup. For a less sweet version, reduce the syrup or skip it entirely.
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If you made this recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
Grapefruit Gin Gimlet
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin or vodka
- 1 grapefruit
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup or 1 TBSP sugar + 1 TBSP water.
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 2 oz seltzer to top
Instructions
- In a tumbler, add the gin or vodka, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, lime juice, and ice.
- Shake well, pour into a glass over ice, serve with a lime garnish.
Nutrition
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I love gin gimlets. This will give my taste buds a whole new adventure