If you’re looking for a bright, citrus-forward cocktail that’s both sophisticated and simple to make, the grapefruit martini is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, brunch, or just unwinding at the end of a long day, this cocktail hits the spot with its zesty, refreshing flavors.
Personally, I love serving this at gatherings because it’s not only delicious but also visually stunning with its pink hue and a fresh grapefruit garnish. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up – you don’t need to be a professional mixologist to impress your guests!
Ingredients for this Grapefruit Martini Recipe
- Pink grapefruit juice: Freshly squeezed juice brings the perfect tartness. Make sure to use ripe grapefruits for the best flavor.
- Vodka: Choose a good-quality vodka to keep the drink smooth.
- Orange liqueur: Adds a sweet, citrusy balance to the tart grapefruit.
- Fresh lemon juice: A splash of lemon brightens the cocktail.Ice cubes: Essential for chilling and slightly diluting the drink for a perfect sip.
- Grapefruit slice: A pretty garnish that complements the flavor.
Additions, Variations, and Substitutions
Triple Sec vs. Cointreau: You can use either for your orange liqueur – Cointreau tends to have a more refined flavor, while Triple Sec is a bit more budget-friendly.
Grapefruit Vodka Martini: If you prefer an extra punch of grapefruit flavor, use grapefruit-flavored vodka instead of regular vodka.
Add a splash of sparkling water: For a lighter, fizzier version, top off your martini with some sparkling water or club soda.
Herb Infusions: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an herbal twist that pairs well with the citrus notes.
Sugar Rim: Coat the rim of your martini glass with sugar for a sweet contrast to the tart grapefruit.
My Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for the best flavor. Store-bought juice won’t give you that bright, zesty punch.
Chill the Glass: Chill your martini glass in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before serving for an extra crisp, refreshing cocktail.
Balance is Key: If you find the grapefruit too tart, feel free to add a teaspoon of simple syrup or honey to balance the flavors.
Shake it Well: Don’t be afraid to shake the cocktail vigorously. This helps blend the ingredients and gives it a nice frothy finish when poured.
How to Make This Recipe
- Prepare the ingredients: Squeeze the juice from a ripe pink grapefruit and set aside.
- Shake: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 3 oz of pink grapefruit juice, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz orange liqueur, and 2 oz vodka.
- Shake Well: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to chill and combine.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish: Add a slice of fresh grapefruit on the rim for a beautiful finishing touch.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use bottled grapefruit juice? Yes, but freshly squeezed grapefruit juice will give you the freshest and brightest flavor.
- What’s the best orange liqueur to use? Either Triple Sec or Cointreau works well, but Cointreau will give a more refined taste.
- Can I make a large batch of this cocktail? Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings, and mix it all in a large pitcher. Just be sure to shake each serving over ice before serving.
Tips for Making Ahead, Leftovers, and Storage
Storage: If you’ve made extra grapefruit juice, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Fresh juice always tastes best when consumed promptly.
Making Ahead: You can prepare the juice mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. When ready to serve, just shake with ice and pour.
Leftovers: It’s unlikely you’ll have any leftovers, but if you do, store the juice mixture in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within 24 hours.
What to serve with a Grapefruit Martini
Serve this grapefruit martini with appetizers like goat cheese crostini, shrimp cocktail, or even a charcuterie board for a delightful pairing. It’s also the perfect brunch cocktail, pairing beautifully with dishes like avocado toast, quiche, or a breakfast charcuterie board.
This cocktail complements light and bright flavors, so below are some of my favourite options, from savoury bakes to salads and main dishes.
Other Martini Recipes You’ll Love
If you love fun twists on martini recipes, you’ll love these two drinks! Both of them only require simple ingredients and are a lovely cocktail idea to serve at your next dinner party!
Cranberry Martini
For this Cranberry Martini, all you need is a few simple ingredients, like some gin or vodka, cranberry juice, orange liquor, homemade cranberry simple syrup and some ice.
The Best Peanut Butter Espresso Martini
If you are a fan of cocktails like White Russian or Irish Coffee, then you will love love love this Peanut Butter Espresso Martini. These delicious cocktails are perfect to finish off a meal with, and I love serving this great martini at dinner parties.
More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love
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Easy Grapefruit Martini
This easy cocktail is the perfect drink for any special event or your next gathering. Use fresh pressed grapefruit juice when in season for maximum flavour!
Follow me on social media for new recipes weekly: @may.eighty.five
Ingredients
- 3 oz of pink grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz of fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz of orange liqueur
- 2 oz of vodka
- a handful of ice cubes
- grapefruit slice for garnish
Instructions
- Add a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker and add the grapefruit juice, orange liquor, vodka and lemon juice.
- Shake the martini shaker for at least 20 seconds and strain it into your chilled martini glass or cocktail glass of choice.
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or a grapefruit wedge.
Notes
To elevate the experience of this cocktail, chill the martini glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 307Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 2gSugar: 16gProtein: 1g
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
