grapefruit rosemary spritz mocktail
A friend told me these photos remind her of summertime and sorbet. I’ll allow it.
I’ve wanted to work with grapefruit for awhile, since I very recently discovered that I don’t hate it. Grapefruit was the last fruit to conquer as far as my tastebuds go: I never liked the sour little citrus. I think what reversed that was my Blushing Grapefruit Ginger Margarita from half an age ago, probably because I tried a wedge dipped in sugar and was like by golly god this shit is dope.
Being under the weather, as I have been these past couple days, usually yields a big craving for juicy fruits. I guess that’s not the worse thing – especially because, as a kid, I’d often want to down whole bags of potato chips with sour cream and onion dip. Fucking graceful. My appetite has come a long way.
This pretty, light Grapefruit Rosemary Spritz Mocktail is perfect for a weekend tailgate if your crowd isn’t big on drinking, or needs a chaser in between the booze, and can carry you into spring and summer too. Not that I’m rushing shit along. A few easy ingredients, including a rosemary honey syrup, and a hit of bubbly ginger beer cap off the juicy grapefruit and lime.
Obviously not doctor advice, but it tastes nice on a sickly day, too.
Pucker up, yo.
Grapefruits Ain’t Grapes
…So, why the name?
First, the rosemary honey syrup. It’s just what it sounds like – rosemary and honey. Simmer together with a little water, let it steep, and throw out the rosemary. Then you have a nice sweetener hinted with the woody herb.
Shake or stir some syrup with fresh grapefruit juice – really recommend you squeeze your own here! – and lime juice. Pour into an icy glass and top with some ginger beer. I like a little garnish of grapefruit wedges and rosemary sprigs, too.
Nothing elaborate here, but still a good juicy drink for a Dry January brunch or watch party. If you want to morph the formula into a cocktail, cut the lime juice down a touch and add in some vodka, which I think tastes best here with the other flavors. Keeps shit refreshing and doesn’t weigh down the citrus flavors.
Enjoy this little guy, friends, while I down straight grapefruit juice to kick this whatever the hell is making me feel like shit.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
grapefruit rosemary spritz mocktail
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 rosemary sprigs
- 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- ginger beer, to top
Instructions
- In a small sauce pot, heat the honey, rosemary sprigs, and 1/2 cup water until simmering. Remove from the heat, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Discard the rosemary. This makes enough syrup for 4-6 drinks.
- Fill a glass with ice. Add the grapefruit juice, lime juice, and 1-2 tablespoons of syrup. Stir to combine. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with grapefruit wedges and rosemary sprigs, as desired.
