10-Minute Refreshing Grapefruit Mocktail
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Grapefruit mocktail is a simple way to bring a bright citrus flavor to your table without any alcohol. The mix of grapefruit, a touch of sweetness, and a little sparkle feels light and refreshing. Rosemary adds a gentle, earthy note that pairs well with the citrus.
We enjoy apple cider mimosa and apple cider mocktail every Thanksgiving, but when winter rolls around, grapefruit rosemary mocktail shows up on all our Christmas and New Year gatherings.
The blend of sweet, tart, and bubbly makes it a crowd-pleaser for anyone skipping alcohol but still wanting something with personality. It works just as well on a quiet weeknight as it does at a big family party, so it’s a handy recipe to keep around all year.
How to Make Grapefruit Mocktail
You can make this grapefruit mocktail in about 10 minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Prepare the rosemary syrup first, then pour everything together and finish with a quick garnish. Serve it right away or let it chill for an even smoother sip.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Grapefruit juice: Freshly squeezed gives the brightest flavor, though bottled works if you’re in a hurry.
- Sugar: I use homemade sugar-free simple syrup, but you can also make from-scratch with the rosemary, just swap the sugar for a low-carb sweeter like monk fruit sweetener.
- Water: For making the syrup.
- Rosemary sprigs: Give them a gentle clap between your palms to help release their aroma before using.
- Lime
- Sparkling water or club soda
- Ice
- Optional garnish: Grapefruit slices or an extra rosemary sprig.
Step-By-Step Instructions
The homemade rosemary syrup is what makes this grapefruit mocktail stand out. It adds a soft, fragrant note and keeps well in the fridge for about a week. Once the syrup is ready, putting the drink together is quick and easy.
Step 1: Make the rosemary syrup
Add the sugar, water, and rosemary sprigs to a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Take it off the heat and let the rosemary steep for about 30 minutes as the syrup cools. Once it’s cooled, remove the rosemary.
Step 2: Assemble the mocktail
Fill two glasses with ice. Add about 2 tablespoons of rosemary syrup to each one, adjusting to your taste. Pour in 1 cup of grapefruit juice, squeeze in the juice from half a lime, and finish with 1 cup of sparkling water or club soda.
Step 3: Stir and garnish
Give the drink a gentle stir. Add grapefruit slices and a sprig of rosemary if you want a little extra touch. Serve right away.
Substitutions
- Rosemary sprigs: Thyme or basil both pair well with grapefruit.
- Sparkling water: Grapefruit-flavored sparkling water gives a stronger citrus boost.
Save some grapefruit juice to make an Aperol Spritz mocktail next. You’ll love the punchy, sweet flavor.
Expert Tips
- Boost the rosemary flavor: Infuse the syrup longer: Let the rosemary sit a bit more if you want a stronger herbal note.
- Blend it into a slushy: Blend the mix with crushed ice for a cool, summer-style drink.
- Adjust the sweetness: Grapefruit sweetness varies, so start with a lighter amount of syrup and adjust after a quick sip.
- Make it your own: A splash of coconut water adds a soft tropical touch, raspberries bring a pop of color, and a tiny pinch of chili powder gives a gentle kick.
- Serve it cold: Keeping the juice, syrup, and sparkling water cold gives the mocktail a crisp finish without piling in extra ice.
How to Store This Recipe
The rosemary syrup holds well for about a week in the fridge when stored in a sealed jar. After you mix the grapefruit juice and syrup, it’s best to enjoy the drink right away because the sparkling water won’t stay bubbly for long.
For easier prep, mix the juice and syrup ahead of time, then add the sparkling water right before serving.
How to Serve Grapefruit Mocktail
Pour your grapefruit rosemary mocktail over ice in a highball or stemless wine glass and add a rosemary sprig with a thin slice of grapefruit for a simple, pretty finish. Mix it right before serving so the bubbles stay crisp.
In the summer, it works well with lighter plates like blackened fish tacos, avocado tomato salad, Italian chopped salad, or shrimp scampi. During the colder months, it’s a nice match for treats like souffle, poached pears, or mincemeat pie.
More Easy Mocktails To Try
Homemade Grapefruit Rosemary Mocktail Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups grapefruit juice store-bought or fresh
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup water for making the syrup
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 lime juiced
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda
- ice
- grapefruit slices for garnish (optional)
- rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add the sugar, water, and rosemary sprigs to a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Take it off the heat and let the rosemary steep for about 30 minutes as the syrup cools. Once it’s cooled, remove the rosemary.
- Fill two glasses with ice. Add about 2 tablespoons of rosemary syrup to each one, adjusting to your taste. Pour in 1 cup of grapefruit juice, squeeze in the juice from half a lime, and finish with 1 cup of sparkling water or club soda.
- Give the drink a gentle stir. Add grapefruit slices and a sprig of rosemary if you want a little extra touch. Serve right away.
Notes
- Let the rosemary steep a little longer in the syrup if you want a stronger herbal flavor.
- Blend the drink with crushed ice for a refreshing slushy version.
- Since grapefruit sweetness varies, start with a smaller amount of syrup and adjust after a quick taste.
- Add a splash of coconut water for a tropical touch, raspberries for color, or a tiny pinch of chili powder for a gentle kick.
- Keep the juice, syrup, and sparkling water cold for a crisp finish without adding too much ice.
Nutrition & Macros
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