Grapefruit Gin Martini
A sophisticated yet refreshing Grapefruit Gin Martini that combines premium gin with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, a hint of sweetness, and herbaceous notes. Perfect as an aperitif or evening cocktail, its beautiful pink hue and balanced flavor profile make it an impressive yet easy-to-craft drink.
Ingredients
- 2 oz high-quality gin London Dry works exceptionally well
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice preferably ruby red for color and sweetness
- ½ oz simple syrup adjust to taste depending on grapefruit sweetness
- ¼ oz fresh lime juice
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters optional but recommended
- Ice cubes for shaking
- Grapefruit twist or thin slice for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare your glass by chilling a martini glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes before mixing your cocktail. A properly chilled glass maintains the drink’s temperature longer.
- Juice your citrus using a handheld juicer or reamer. Always use fresh grapefruit juice – the bottled stuff simply can’t compare in brightness and flavor.
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes until it’s about two-thirds full. The ice quantity matters – too little won’t chill properly, too much will over-dilute.
- Add all liquid ingredients to the shaker: gin, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, lime juice, and bitters if using. Make sure to measure precisely for balanced flavor.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty. This isn’t just for show – proper shaking achieves the right dilution and temperature.
- Strain carefully into your chilled martini glass, using a fine mesh strainer if available to catch any small ice chips or pulp.
- Garnish thoughtfully with a grapefruit twist or thin slice. For an aromatic touch, lightly pinch the rosemary sprig before placing it in the drink to release its essential oils.
Notes
- For the most visually striking cocktail, use ruby red grapefruit, which produces a beautiful pink-hued drink.
- The quality of gin dramatically impacts this cocktail. A gin with strong juniper and citrus notes (like Tanqueray or Hendrick’s) pairs perfectly with grapefruit.
- This cocktail can be batched for parties – simply multiply ingredients and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just shake with ice before serving.
- For a lighter version, add a splash of soda water after straining into the glass.
- Simple syrup can be made ahead by combining equal parts sugar and hot water, stirring until dissolved, and refrigerating.