Grey Goose Recommends: Our 4 Favorite Grapefruit Vodka Cocktails

Bright and citrusy, grapefruit adds an extra refreshing taste to many vodka cocktails. This makes them perfect for the summer, but really they could be enjoyed year round. Get some helpful info all about the fruit, then take a look at some of our favorite recipes. We’ll explore our top 4 favorite grapefruit cocktails: the Sea Breeze, Grey Goose with Grapefruit & Soda, Fresh Cut and Boardwalk.

What alcohol pairs well with grapefruit?

Grapefruit is a fresh, tart fruit that pairs best with more delicate spirits. For example, a traditional Paloma pairs grapefruit soda with tequila (and we have a version with vodka—more to come on that). Vodka in particular plays nicely with grapefruit to produce a light-tasting, effervescent drink. And of course selecting a premium-tasting vodka is important as well.

Tips and tricks for making grapefruit cocktails

First of all, if you’re incorporating the fruit itself, you need to make sure you’re picking the freshest grapefruits. Look for ripe ones with vibrant color and a slightly firm texture. Varieties like Ruby Red or Pink are commonly used in cocktails due to their sweeter flavor. Second, if the recipe calls for grapefruit juice, that is always best when it’s fresh squeezed as well. Now, let’s take a look at some of our favorite recipes that you can try making.

Sea Breeze

The Sea Breeze is a simple summer classic that mixes vodka with both grapefruit juice and cranberry juice. It’s pretty tart and really good.

Grey Goose with Grapefruit & Soda

Like a Paloma but with vodka, the Grey Goose with Grapefruit & Soda is another simple cocktail that uses fresh grapefruit juice. Combine that with vodka and soda water and garnish it beautifully for a simple yet sophisticated serve.

Fresh Cut

The Fresh Cut is a light-tasting drink with a hint of grapefruit. The tart citrus bite in this drink is subtle but noteworthy.

Boardwalk

The Boardwalk is one drink you can make even if you don’t have access to a fresh grapefruit. While a citrus wedge garnish provides a great finishing touch, the grapefruit taste of this cocktail comes from fruit-flavored soda.

Whether you want a full-flavor fruity drink like the Sea Breeze or a more subdued one like the Fresh Cut, grapefruit is an exciting flavor to play around with. Experiment with these recipes and find your favorite to serve all summer long.