There’s something magical about a cocktail that feels both refreshing and sophisticated at the same time. That’s exactly why I keep coming back to the Grapefruit Gin Fizz. It’s light, slightly tart, beautifully bubbly, and perfect for everything from weekend brunches to warm summer evenings.
This cocktail brings together the zesty brightness of grapefruit, the herbal complexity of gin, and the delicate fizz of sparkling water. The result is a drink that’s elegant yet approachable, making it a crowd-pleaser whether you’re mixing for yourself or serving guests.
What I love most about the Grapefruit Gin Fizz is its versatility. It works just as well for a casual weeknight wind-down as it does for a more festive occasion. If you’ve been looking for a cocktail that strikes the perfect balance between simple and special, this one deserves a permanent spot in your home bar lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh grapefruit juice
- London dry gin
- Simple syrup
- Sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit wedge or rosemary sprig for garnish
Ingredients Breakdown
Fresh grapefruit juice
Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is the star of this cocktail, adding bright citrus flavor and natural tartness. Avoid bottled juice if possible, since fresh juice makes the drink noticeably more vibrant.
London dry gin
Gin gives the cocktail its herbal and botanical backbone. London dry gin works best here because it is crisp and juniper-forward, balancing the sweetness of the syrup and the acidity of the grapefruit.
Simple syrup
A splash of simple syrup mellows the tart grapefruit and helps bring all the flavors together. You can easily adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more or less syrup.
Sparkling water
This is where the fizz comes in. Sparkling water lightens the drink and makes it extra refreshing, especially when served over ice. Choose a plain variety so the flavors of the grapefruit and gin can shine.
Ice cubes
Ice keeps the drink perfectly chilled and slightly dilutes the cocktail as you sip, ensuring a smoother finish. Always use fresh, clean ice for the best taste.
Grapefruit wedge or rosemary sprig
For garnish, a grapefruit wedge highlights the citrus flavors while a rosemary sprig adds a subtle aromatic touch. Both are simple but make the drink visually striking.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your glass
Start with a tall glass or highball and fill it generously with ice cubes. The ice not only chills the drink but helps maintain that light, crisp texture as the cocktail comes together.
Step 2: Add the base flavors
Pour in 2 ounces of London dry gin and 3 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice directly over the ice. This layering ensures the flavors infuse evenly as you build the cocktail.
Step 3: Sweeten and balance
Add ½ ounce of simple syrup to the glass. Stir gently to mix the gin, grapefruit juice, and syrup, creating a balanced base before adding the fizz.
Step 4: Top with sparkling water
Slowly pour in about 3 ounces of sparkling water. Adding it last preserves the bubbles, giving the cocktail its signature effervescence and making it extra refreshing.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Finish with a wedge of fresh grapefruit on the rim or a rosemary sprig tucked into the glass. Serve immediately while it’s cold and fizzy.
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add gin and grapefruit juice over the ice.
- Stir in the simple syrup until well mixed.
- Top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with grapefruit wedge or rosemary sprig.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.
- For a stronger citrus kick, squeeze the grapefruit wedge garnish directly into the drink before serving.
The Grapefruit Gin Fizz is proof that simple ingredients can make a big impact. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and just the right mix of tart, sweet, and bubbly. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a personal pick-me-up, this cocktail fits the bill.