Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktail

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.

rosemary and gin grapefruit cocktail in a glass of ice garnished with a grapefruit wedge and a sprig of rosemary, slice of grapefruit and a knife to the side with another cocktail, grapefruit juice, bottle of gin and shaker in the background

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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
rosemary simple syrup ingredients include sugar, water and rosemary sprigs

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.

two sprigs of rosemary floating in a pan of simple syrup

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:

rosemary and gin grapefruit cocktail ingredients include gin, grapefruit juice and rosemary simple syrup

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 in a glass of ice garnished with a grapefruit wedge and a sprig of rosemary, slice of grapefruit and a knife to the side with another cocktail, grapefruit juice, bottle of gin and shaker in the background
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4.58 from 14 votes

Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktail

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.
Course cocktails
Cuisine American
Cook Time 2 minutes
Cooling time 1 hour
Servings 2 drinks
Calories 176kcal
Author Lisa B.

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.

Video

Notes

The rosemary simple 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 0.9g | Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 2mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 16.9g

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8 Comments

  1. 5 stars

    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!

  2. 5 stars

    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!

  3. 5 stars
    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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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!

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