Last updated on September 3rd, 2023
Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit cocktail is sure become your new favorite adult beverage. Rosemary simple syrup and floral gin pair beautifully with tart Ruby Red grapefruit juice.
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I’ve only recently become a grapefruit lover. Growing up, the taste of the beautiful bright pink citrus fruit was just too sour for me. However, pair that tartness with the woodsey sweetness of rosemary simple syrup and the floral undertones of a good gin … I’m in love. Over the years, this has become one of my all-time favorite cocktails. But beware, they go down way too easy.
Make the rosemary simple syrup
Simple syrup is nothing more than equal parts sugar and water simmered until the sugar is dissolved. In this case, we’re simmering fresh rosemary in the sugar water mixture to give it that herbal flavor. To make the rosemary simple syrup, you will need:
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the syrup from the heat and allow it to cool completely … BUT, leave the rosemary sprigs in the pan while the syrup cools to give it more time to absorb the flavor of the herbs. Once the syrup has cooled, remove the rosemary sprigs and throw them away. The syrup can be made ahead of time. Simply transfer it to an airtight container with a lid and refrigerate. The simple syrup should keep for a month.
Ingredients and tools you’ll need
Can you believe this cocktail only contains THREE ingredients? To make a rosemary and gin grapefruit cocktail, you’ll need:
- 2 ounces gin – If you are a gin drinker, by all means use your favorite brand. If gin is not your usual weapon of choice, here are a few pointers. Stay away from bottom shelf brands. You want the juniper flavors in the gin to complement the drink, not overpower it. But don’t feel like you have to fork out a lot of dough either. Look for something within the $20-$30 range. For this post I used Bombay Sapphire. Other good brands include Beefeater, Sipsmith, or Tanqueray.
- 3 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup
Tools:
- Cocktail shaker – You don’t have to go expensive here. My husband and I prefer the weight and feel of this glass cocktail shaker, but I also own this simple metal one. You could also use a mason jar with a securely fitting lid.
- Tool that measures ounces – I have this stainless steel cocktail jigger. But something along the lines of this shot glass measuring cup works too.
How to make a Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktail
To assemble to cocktail, fill a shaker with ice. Add two ounces of gin, three ounces of Ruby Red grapefruit juice and one ounce of cooled rosemary simple syrup in a shaker with ice. If you want the drink to be a little sweeter, you can add more syrup. Shake vigorously until the ingredients are combined. Then strain everything into a glass filled with ice cubes. I garnished mine with fresh grapefruit wedges and rosemary sprigs.
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Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktail
Ingredients
For the rosemary Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 large sprigs of fresh rosemary
For the Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktail:
- 2 ounces gin
- 3 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup more if you want it a little sweeter
Instructions
For the rosemary simple syrup:
- Combine the simple syrup ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Heat to a boil, then allow to simmer until the sugar has dissolved, about a minute or two.
- Remove pan from heat. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Remove and discard the rosemary stems before serving.
For the Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktail:
- Combine cocktail ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for a few seconds until everything is combined.
- Strain into ice filled glasses.
- Garnish with grapefruit wedges and rosemary springs if desired.
Sounds like you’ve got an excellent plan, Anice! Enjoy!
The rosemary in my garden is still green 3 days before Christmas, even here in the Midwest and after several freezes, so I’m designating this a holiday cocktail! Better yet, one of our kids got us a tiny bottle of grapefruit bitters for Christmas last year that we haven’t made good use of. That definitely set it off just right. Thank you for the excellent idea!
The rosemary in my garden is still green 3 days before Christmas, even here in the Midwest and after several freezes, so I’m designating this a holiday cocktail! Better yet, one of our kids got us a tiny bottle of grapefruit bitters for Christmas last year that we haven’t made good use of. That definitely set it off just right. Thank you for the excellent idea!
That’s great, John! Thanks for coming back and leaving a comment. Cheers!
Made a batch this weekend. Followed the comment with adding 1 shake of Angustora bitters. Tasted before and after. Great before, even better after.
Thanks for my new favorite summer cocktail.
Ok, i made this with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Found it to be way too bitter.
Start light with the gin, add more to taste.
Ooh, bitters! I need to try that. Thanks for the idea, Carol!
I am obsessed with essentially the same drink. The only difference is that I use regular simple syrup and muddle the rosemary into the drink. Oh and I throw in a little bitters as well. Such a refreshing cocktail for the hot humid summer!