I recently experimented with one of my favorite grapefruit cocktail recipes and was pleasantly surprised by its vibrant twist. The combination of freshly squeezed juice and sparkling prosecco creates a refreshing burst of flavor that makes any gathering feel like a special celebration. I invite you to discover its invigorating charm.

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I recently discovered this fun twist on sparkling cocktails that is perfect for a winter dinner party or even a holiday brunch. I mixed together 2 cups of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice with 1/2 cup of simple syrup and the juice of one lemon to get that tangy yet sweet base.

Then I poured in a cup of chilled prosecco (though you can use sparkling water if you prefer a non-alcoholic version) over some ice cubes and finished it off with a few grapefruit slices and a sprig of fresh mint for garnish. I love how the citrus flavors combine to create a vibrant drink that’s reminiscent of a tropical citrus cocktail, yet still feels crisp enough for colder days.

There’s something about the bittersweet punch of grapefruit that makes every sip exciting and a little unexpected. Give it a try and let the sparkles bring a burst of sunshine into your next gathering.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a few reasons. First, the mix of tangy pink grapefruit juice and the sweetness from the simple syrup just hits the spot. It feels like a burst of sunshine even when the weather is cold and dreary. Second, the fact that I can choose between prosecco or sparkling water makes it tricky in a cool way – I can have a boozy sip with my friends or a refreshing non-alcoholic version when I need a chill night in. Third, prepping it is kinda fun – stirring it up and watching the ice melt a little while all the flavors mix together, it feels really satisfying even if it’s super simple. Lastly, I like how the garnishes, like a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of mint, make it not only taste amazing but look appealing too.

Ingredients

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Made from juicy pink grapefruits, it gives vitamin C and natural tart flavor plus antioxidants.
Simple syrup adds sweet balance but offers no nutritional value.
Fresh lemon juice provides a sharp tang and vitamin C that lifts the cocktail’s zing.
Prosecco adds a bubbly, festive kick with alcohol, while sparkling water offers a lighter twist.
Grapefruit slices not only beautify the drink, they also intensify its citrus aroma.
Mint sprigs lend a refreshing aroma and slight spice, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Ice cubes cool the cocktail instantly, keeping it refreshing on hot summer days.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice (from about 3 to 4 grapefruits)

1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved and cooled)

Juice of 1 lemon (roughly 2 tablespoons)

1 cup chilled prosecco or sparkling water (depending on if you want an alcoholic version)

Ice cubes

Grapefruit slices for garnish

Fresh mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Start by mixing 2 cups of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice, 1/2 cup of simple syrup and the juice from 1 lemon in a big pitcher.

2. Stir the mixture well so that the syrup and juices combine nicely.

3. Grab a few glasses and fill each one halfway with ice cubes.

4. Next, pour the grapefruit mixture evenly into the glasses over the ice.

5. Slowly top off each glass with 1 cup of chilled prosecco or sparkling water, depending on if you’re making it boozy or not.

6. Give the drink a gentle stir to blend the bubbles with the citrus without making it lose too much fizz.

7. Garnish each cocktail with a slice of grapefruit and if you have some, a sprig of fresh mint adds a cool touch.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors at your winter dinner party!

Equipment Needed

1. Big pitcher – for mixing all the juices and syrup
2. Measuring cups – to get the right amounts of juice, syrup and prosecco or sparkling water
3. Citrus juicer – for squeezing the grapefruits and lemon
4. Stirring spoon – to blend everything well together
5. Ice cube tray or ice – to have enough cubes for each glass
6. Glasses – to serve the cocktail
7. Knife – to slice the grapefruit and cut up any garnishes if needed
8. Cutting board – for safely slicing your fruit garnish

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute grapefruit with another fruit?

A: You can try other citrus fruits like blood oranges but it may change the taste a bit, so experiment if you're feelin adventurous.

Q: Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

A: Yeah, you can prep the juices and simple syrup in advance, though I'd wait to add the prosecco or sparkling water and ice till just before serving so the drink doesnt lose its fizz.

Q: What if I dont have pink grapefruits?

A: If you cant get pink grapefruits, regular ones will work fine. The color might be a bit lighter, but the taste stays pretty close.

Q: Is it okay to skip the garnishes?

A: Sure, the garnishes are optional. But adding grapefruit slices or some fresh mint sprigs gives it that extra pop of flavor and looks real nice on the table.

Q: Can I replace the prosecco with something else?

A: Absolutely, if you dont want the alcoholic version you can use sparkling water instead. Adjust the amount to taste so you still keep a good balance of flavors.

Sparkling Grapefruit Cocktails Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you cant find pink grapefruit juice, try using white grapefruit juice or even mix orange juice with a little extra lemon juice for a similar tang.
If you dont have simple syrup on hand, you can substitute with honey syrup or agave nectar mixed with a bit of water.
You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice if you prefer a slightly different citrus flavor.
If you are out of prosecco, club soda with a splash of white wine works just as well for that bubbly effect.
For the garnish, basil leaves can be a cool alternative to fresh mint if youre looking to switch it up.

Pro Tips

1. Try rolling your grapefruits on the counter before juicing to get more juice out of them, it works like a charm and makes the drink taste fresher.
2. If you’re goin for the boozy version with prosecco, make sure its really chilled and add it last so you dont lose all the fizz.
3. When making the simple syrup, let it cool completely before mixin it in, because a warm syrup can melt your ice too fast and water down your drink.
4. Play around with the garnish a little bit – sometimes adding an extra squeeze of lemon or a few extra mint leaves gives it that extra punch in flavor.

Sparkling Grapefruit Cocktails Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

150

kcal

Equipment: 1. Big pitcher – for mixing all the juices and syrup
2. Measuring cups – to get the right amounts of juice, syrup and prosecco or sparkling water
3. Citrus juicer – for squeezing the grapefruits and lemon
4. Stirring spoon – to blend everything well together
5. Ice cube tray or ice – to have enough cubes for each glass
6. Glasses – to serve the cocktail
7. Knife – to slice the grapefruit and cut up any garnishes if needed
8. Cutting board – for safely slicing your fruit garnish

Ingredients

2 cups freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice (from about 3 to 4 grapefruits)
1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved and cooled)
Juice of 1 lemon (roughly 2 tablespoons)
1 cup chilled prosecco or sparkling water (depending on if you want an alcoholic version)
Ice cubes
Grapefruit slices for garnish
Fresh mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Directions

Start by mixing 2 cups of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice, 1/2 cup of simple syrup and the juice from 1 lemon in a big pitcher.
Stir the mixture well so that the syrup and juices combine nicely.
Grab a few glasses and fill each one halfway with ice cubes.
Next, pour the grapefruit mixture evenly into the glasses over the ice.
Slowly top off each glass with 1 cup of chilled prosecco or sparkling water, depending on if you're making it boozy or not.
Give the drink a gentle stir to blend the bubbles with the citrus without making it lose too much fizz.
Garnish each cocktail with a slice of grapefruit and if you have some, a sprig of fresh mint adds a cool touch.
Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors at your winter dinner party!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.