17 Grapefruit Cocktails for Those Who Like It Bitter and Sweet
Grapefruit cocktails may not be as ubiquitous as those made with lemon or lime juice, but an ounce or two of pink or white grapefruit juice adds something special to a drink. Its bracing tartness might make you think of tangy tequila or vodka coolers, but grapefruit also works nicely in richer cocktails made with bourbon, aged rum, or rye whiskey. If you have half a grapefruit left over after breakfast, we highly recommend popping it into the fridge for squeezing into your evening drink no matter which spirits you have sitting around the house. Below you’ll find a selection of our favorite grapefruit juice cocktails, including big-batch boozy drinks and nonalcoholic options that are ideal for the next time you entertain a crowd.
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Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert1/17The Ultimate Paloma
Our recipe for the queen of all grapefruit cocktails layers in the grapefruit flavor in multiple ways, combining tequila with fresh grapefruit juice and zingy grapefruit soda—seek out Ting or Squirt if you can. This classic cocktail looks great with a fragrant grapefruit wedge or slice as a garnish. We like a pinch of salt stirred in, but you can rim the glass if you prefer.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton4/17Sea Breeze
Add cranberry juice to a Greyhound, and you have this easy vodka cocktail. Made with fresh juice, it’s a nice brunch cocktail.
Photo by Kelly Puleio5/17Parson’s Negroni Slushy
A touch of grapefruit juice freshens up bitter flavor in this blended version of the classic negroni. Freeze some orange half-wheels in advance to add to each glass.
Photo by Paul H. Christian, Food Styling by Michele Figliuolo6/17Strawberry, Grapefruit, and Chamomile Brunch Punch
When you’re hosting a crowd, a pitcher of punch means drinks without fuss. But it might make sense to use an electric citrus juicer. This bourbon drink combines delicately floral chamomile syrup, strawberries, and four cups of fresh grapefruit juice.
Photo by Paul H. Christian, Food Styling by Michele Figliuolo8/17Brown Derby
If you’ve ever drizzled honey on a grapefruit half, you know how good the combo can be. Just add bourbon and serve in a coupe.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert, Prop Styling by Anne Eastman9/17Siesta
Chances are, your favorite bartender is hot on this drink, which bumps up the deliciously bitter side of grapefruit with a pour of Campari.
Photo by Kelly Puleio11/17The Blaylock
This nonalcoholic drink is tangy and rich—it’s a nice one to have around while you’re cooking (and snacking) on Thanksgiving.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Judy Haubert, Prop Styling by Anne Eastman13/17Salmoncito
This spin on the classic G&T only uses a little bit of grapefruit—but that squeeze makes all the difference.
Photo by Zachary James Johnston14/17Asta Collins
Don’t underestimate this pretty pink drink—the Campari, grapefruit, and lime juice give it tons of bold flavor.
Photo by Jennifer Chong15/17Grapefruit Rosemary Spritzer
Fresh rosemary, cooked into a simple syrup, gives this fizzy booze-free drink its wintry vibe.
Photographs by Yudi Ela, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Sophie Strangio16/17Tequila, Beer, and Citrus Cocktail
