Grapefruit Gin Martini

• 1-ounce quality gin [your favorite gin will work!]
• 1-ounce good vodka
• 2.5-ounce fresh-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice [ alt: pink grapefruit juice]
• 2 dashes of grapefruit bitters
• 1-ounce orange curacao 
• fresh oregano sprig
• a wedge of fresh grapefruit
• ice cubes

 

Directions to make this cocktail recipe:

1. In a cocktail mixing glass over ice, add gin, vodka, fresh-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice, orange curacao, and grapefruit bitters.
2. Use a long-handled bar spoon and stir vigorously for 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a serving glass of ice.
4. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a fresh sprig of oregano, thyme, mint, or marjoram.
5. Serve in a martini glass, or a regular cocktail glass will work too! 

How to make simple syrup for our Grapefruit Gin Martini recipe

If you’ve never made a simple syrup, it is very simple and only takes a few moments. You can even easily add flavors like grapefruit or orange to this cocktail.

To add flavor, you have to place herbs, citrus peel, or similar flavor infusion items into the syrup when it is still hot to help infuse that flavor into the syrup.

1. Add equal parts sugar and water to a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add in flavor (in this case, a single tablespoon each of grapefruit and orange juice, plus a thumb of grapefruit and orange peels without the pith).
4. Remove from heat, allow to cool, and chill until ready to use.

Drink responsibly, and never drink and drive

If you are looking for a bright, refreshing twist on a classic gin martini – this fun new grapefruit gin and vodka martini is going to be a huge hit.

Prepare to dazzle everyone with a delicious citrus-infused pink drink that will become a long-time favorite of everyone that takes a sip.

What alcohol is good with grapefruit juice?

I reached for gin and vodka to pair with the grapefruit juice as a duo of flavors.

It helps to level out the flavors and complements the tangy sour tang from the grapefruit.

You will also find other recipes that use rum or vodka to pair next to grapefruit. 

What is the best mixer for a martini?

Gin is perfect for mixing with martini ingredients.

I suggest using quality alcohol as it will be one of the standout flavors in this martini grapefruit recipe. 

What is the difference between orange curacao and triple sec?

Triple sec and Curacao are flavored liqueurs that can confuse some.

Curacao is an orange liqueur flavor, where Triple sec normally sells clear or blue color. They both are used as a spirit base for cocktails.  

Do you stir or shake a martini? 

To be honest, you can actually do either when it comes to mixing up your grapefruit cocktail. It tends to be whatever you have on hand or your preference.

We stirred ours vigorously for 30 seconds. But you can use a cocktail shaker to shake and pour your cocktail.

How to pick grapefruit? 

• The first thing to do is look over the grapefruit to make sure it offers a nice deep color with no bruising. 
• You want the grapefruit to feel heavy for its size. 
• The grapefruit will also offer smooth skin that is not full of flaws bruising, etc. 
• You want the grapefruit to have a little softness when you squeeze it slightly. 

This refreshing cocktail is perfect for enjoying on a summer’s day, a girl’s day, and even for a Valentine’s Day cocktail idea. You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy our take on this classic martini. 

More Cocktail Recipes:

• Watermelon Pino Grigio Pucker
• The Purple Rain
• Cotton Candy Watermelon Margarita
• Iced Sweet Melon Martini
• How To Make A Caramel Apple Martini

Posted 2016. Updated 1/2021 | updated 1/2023

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