This Raspberry Grapefruit Smash is a bright, refreshing cocktail made with tequila, fresh raspberries, mint, and grapefruit juice.
It’s a perfectly balanced drink for spring entertaining, but also works as a festive, bright holiday cocktail.
Raspberry Grapefruit Smash
When it comes to entertaining, you don’t need a dozen fancy ingredients, just a few good ones that work hard for you.
Our Raspberry Grapefruit Smash hits all the right notes: easy to make, stunning to serve, and light enough for a second round.
It’s proof that great cocktails don’t have to be complicated; they just have to taste (and look) good.
What we also love about this smash cocktail is that it can be made into a batch cocktail — ideal for summer and perfect for a holiday!
What You Will Need:
North Bay Produce Raspberries. Sweet, tart, and full of vibrant flavor. It’s the essence of the show, bringing natural color to every sip. Ideally, you should use raspberries when they are fresh and in season.
Fresh Mint. Adds a crisp, cooling aroma that makes every drink feel like it’s straight from the garden. Gotta love mint in cocktails! It may be harder to find during the colder months, but you can substitute it for rosemary.
Tequila. A good blanco or reposado gives this cocktail its backbone. Blanco keeps it light and bright, while reposado adds a touch of warmth and depth.
Raspberry Cranberry Juice Cocktail. Layers of extra-berry flavor and a little sweetness to balance the citrus.
Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice. Freshly squeezed if you can, because it’s the secret to that sharp, juicy finish.
Sweetened Lime Juice. Rounds out the edges and ties the flavors together.
Ice + garnish. Don’t skip the details — fresh raspberries, mint sprigs, and a grapefruit wedge make this drink photo-ready.
How To Make A Raspberry Grapefruit Smash
Ingredients:
2 Servings
- 8 fresh North Bay Produce raspberries, divided (4 into each glass)
- 8 large fresh mint leaves, divided (4 into each glass)
- 3 ounces blanco or reposada tequila
- 2 ounces raspberry cranberry juice cocktail
- 2 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice
- 2 ounces sweetened lime juice
- crushed small ice
- 2 wedges of ripe grapefruit for garnish
- 2 sprigs of fresh mint for garnish
- 4 raspberries for garnish (2 for each serving)
Directions:
- Into each serving glass, add 4 fresh ripe raspberries and 4 fresh mint leaves.
- Muddle or break apart the raspberries and fresh mint with a muddler to release the raspberries’ juice and express the mint’s oils.
- Add ice to each glass.
- Into a cocktail mixing glass, dry mix (stir without ice) the 3 ounces of tequila, 2 ounces of raspberry cranberry juice, 2 ounces of ruby red grapefruit juice, and 2 ounces of sweetened lime juice. Stir vigorously for thirty (30) seconds.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared glasses.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge, fresh mint, and 2 raspberries.
- Serve.
For a mocktail version, substitute the tequila for sparkling water or club soda. You will want to top each glass with 2–4 ounces of sparkling water or club soda after you pour the other liquid ingredients.
Tips + Variations
- Make It a Mocktail. For a refreshing non-alcoholic version, skip the tequila and top each glass with sparkling water or club soda right before serving. You’ll still get that bright, zesty flavor with a fizzy finish.
- Make a batch drink! Hosting? Multiply the recipe by four and mix everything (except the ice and garnishes) in a large pitcher ahead of time. Store in the fridge until guests arrive, then pour over ice and garnish right before serving. Easy, breezy, and impressive.
- Want to make it sweeter? Try this: If your grapefruit juice leans tart, stir in ½ ounce of simple syrup or agave nectar. Adjust to taste.
- For a colder, frothier cocktail, shake everything with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain over fresh ice. If you prefer a gentler blend, stir instead. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Rim your glasses with grapefruit zest and sugar for a fun touch, or freeze a few raspberries or grapefruit slices into your ice cubes. It’s a small detail that looks great on camera — and your guests will notice.
More grapefruit recipes:
Strawberry, Oregano & Grapefruit Cocktail
Why It Works for the Holidays
- The vibrant reds from the raspberries and the pink hue from the grapefruit juice scream festive. It’s a beautiful drink for holiday tables, especially when styled against greenery, gold accents, or candlelight.
- The combination of berry, citrus, and mint is not just light and refreshing; it’s a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
- This drink is perfect for parties, as it can be prepped in large pitchers and served with a bottle of tequila (or sparkling water for mocktails) nearby. This allows guests to mix their own drinks, making your hosting duties a breeze.
How to Give It a Holiday Twist
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- Replace the mint sprig with a rosemary sprig. It adds a piney, winter aroma that instantly reads “holiday.” More rosemary drinks: Rosemary Paloma Cocktail; Apple Ginger Sour Mocktail
- For a festive upgrade, top each glass with a splash of prosecco or sparkling rosé. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances the celebratory feel of the drink.
- Rim the glass with fine sugar, then dust with a pinch of crushed freeze-dried raspberries or edible glitter for holiday shimmer.
- Serve it alongside a holiday charcuterie board (think cranberry chèvre, fig jam, and prosciutto).
Can I Make This Raspberry Grapefruit Smash Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can mix everything except the ice and garnishes up to 24 hours in advance.
Store it covered in the refrigerator, then stir before serving.
Add the ice and garnishes just before guests arrive so it stays fresh and photogenic.
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
If fresh raspberries are out of season, then yes, you can use frozen raspberries.
Just thaw them completely and drain off excess liquid before muddling.
Frozen berries tend to be juicier, so taste as you go and adjust with a splash of extra grapefruit juice if needed.
What’s the Best Tequila to Use for This Cocktail?
A blanco tequila keeps it light, crisp, and citrus-forward.
If you prefer something with a little more depth (especially for winter sipping), go with a reposado.
It adds subtle warmth and a slight vanilla note that pairs beautifully with the raspberry.
Can I Serve This Cocktail Warm?
This one’s best served cold. But if you want a warm option for the holidays, try my Spiced Cranberry Cider Punch or Apple Cider Bourbon Smash.
What Can I Serve With This Cocktail?
This drink pairs perfectly with light appetizers like goat cheese crostini, shrimp skewers, or a mini charcuterie spread.
If you’re going full holiday mode, pair it with your Holiday Charcuterie Board.
Cheers!
Raspberry Grapefruit Smash
Ingredients
- 8 fresh North Bay Produce raspberries divided (4 into each glass)
- 8 large fresh mint leaves divided (4 into each glass)
- 3 ounces blanco or reposada tequila
- 2 ounces raspberry cranberry juice cocktail
- 2 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice
- 2 ounces sweetened lime juice
- crushed small ice
- 2 wedges of ripe grapefruit for garnish
- 2 sprigs of fresh mint for garnish
- 4 raspberries for garnish 2 for each serving
Instructions
- Into each serving glass, add 4 fresh ripe raspberries and 4 fresh mint leaves.
- Muddle or break apart the raspberries and fresh mint with a muddler to release the raspberries' juice and express the mint's oils.
- Add ice to each glass.
- Into a cocktail mixing glass, dry mix (stir without ice) the 3 ounces of tequila, 2 ounces of raspberry cranberry juice, 2 ounces of ruby red grapefruit juice, and 2 ounces of sweetened lime juice. Stir vigorously for thirty (30) seconds.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared glasses.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge, fresh mint, and 2 raspberries.
- Serve.
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