Grapefruit Crush Cocktail Recipe

Grapefruit Crush Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Grapefruit Crush cocktail is a refreshing and citrusy drink that gained popularity in the beach bars of Maryland, USA. It's a perfect summer drink that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a fruity and tangy cocktail.

  • Originated in Maryland, USA
  • Popular in beach bars
  • Perfect for summer days

How Grapefruit Crush Tastes?

The Grapefruit Crush is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. The grapefruit juice provides a tangy and refreshing taste, while the triple sec adds a hint of sweetness. The vodka gives it a subtle kick, making it a well-balanced and enjoyable cocktail.

Interesting facts about Grapefruit Crush

  • The Grapefruit Crush is often served in a mason jar or a highball glass
  • The cocktail is sometimes garnished with a grapefruit wedge or a sprig of mint
  • It's a versatile drink that can be easily customized with different types of citrus fruits or flavored vodkas

Ingredients

A few good options for Grapefruit Crush are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

The backbone of many cocktails, our 1.5 oz of vodka provides a clean, neutral spirit base that allows the bright flavors of grapefruit and mint to shine. Too much vodka, and you'll overpower the cocktail; too little, and you'll miss the kick.

Emma Rose

Grapefruit Juice

4 oz of grapefruit juice gives the drink its signature tart and slightly sweet profile, and a healthy dose of Vitamin C! Skip this, and it's not a Grapefruit Crush anymore—it's just sad.

Mary Mitkina

Triple Sec

At 0.5 oz, Triple Sec adds a subtle orange-flavored sweetness that rounds out the flavors. Omitting it loses a layer of complexity, while too much could make your drink too sweet.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

Half an ounce is just enough to ensure the cocktail isn't too tart without making it a sugar bomb. It’s the peacemaker between the vodka and the tart juice.

Emma Rose

Soda Water

1 oz of soda water adds a refreshing effervescence. Without it, the cocktail becomes a bit too 'still' and you miss out on those tickling bubbles.

Mary Mitkina

Grapefruit Wedge

Not just a pretty face, the grapefruit wedge adds an extra zing and decorates your drink. No wedge, no fun!

Alex Green

Mint Sprig

The mint sprig is the final flourish. It offers a burst of freshness and aroma with each sip. Forget the mint, and you’re robbing your nose of half the experience.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Grapefruit Crush Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add vodka, grapefruit juice, triple sec, and simple syrup to the shaker
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice
  5. Top with soda water
  6. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a sprig of mint

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh grapefruit juice for a more refreshing and authentic taste.
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool for longer.
  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly mix all the ingredients and chill the cocktail.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Seafood: The acidity of grapefruit juice complements the brininess of fresh oysters and grilled shrimp.
  • Salads: A light, leafy green salad with vinaigrette dressing pairs well with the freshness of the cocktail.
  • Poultry: Try it with grilled chicken or turkey sandwiches where the citrus notes can cut through the richness.
  • Cheese: Soft cheeses like goat cheese can be enhanced by the cocktail's crispness.

Drink Pairings

  • Water: Always a good idea to stay hydrated when enjoying alcoholic drinks.
  • Iced Tea: Non-alcoholic, refreshing and not too sweet will work alongside the Grapefruit Crush.

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What you could change in Grapefruit Crush

  • Vodka: Can be replaced with gin for a different flavor profile.
  • Grapefruit juice: Can be substituted with other citrus juices like orange or lemon.
  • Triple sec: If not available, you can use any other orange liqueur.

Explore all drinks starting with G here

And of course - twists🍹

Rosemary Grapefruit Crush

  • Replace mint with a sprig of rosemary.
  • Add a rosemary-infused simple syrup instead of regular.
  • The rosemary will give an herbal twist to the citrusy profile, creating a more savory experience.

Spicy Grapefruit Crush

  • Muddle a slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
  • The spiciness from the jalapeño will add a kick that complements the tartness of the grapefruit, offering a bold twist.

Sunset Crush

  • Add a splash of cranberry juice for color.
  • Use a lemon-lime soda instead of soda water.
  • These changes create a layered drink with a pink hue and a sweeter, more festive flavor. Great for summer evenings!

In case you forgot basics how to make Grapefruit Crush

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Grapefruit Crush

What makes this cocktail a 'Crush' cocktail?

A 'Crush' cocktail comes from a style of mixed drinks that often incorporate fresh fruit and fruit juice. The Grapefruit Crush cocktail derives its name from the use of fresh grapefruit juice.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Grapefruit Crush?

Yes, it's possible to make a mocktail version of the Grapefruit Crush. You can skip the alcohol (vodka and triple sec) and replace it with extra soda water or a non-alcoholic substitute.

Is there a specific type of vodka best suited for the Grapefruit Crush cocktail?

While there isn't a specific type of vodka you have to use, many people prefer using citrus-flavored vodka to further enhance the citrusy taste of the cocktail. Though, any type of vodka will work just fine.

Can I pre-make the Grapefruit Crush cocktail for a party or does it have to be served immediately?

While it's always best to serve the cocktail fresh, you can pre-make the vodka, grapefruit juice, triple sec, and simple syrup mixture. Just leave out the soda water and garnish until right before serving to maintain its fizzy freshness.

Are there any other cocktails similar to the Grapefruit Crush?

There are other variations of the 'Crush' cocktail that use different fruits like the Orange Crush and the Lemon Crush. They essentially follow the same recipe but swap out grapefruit for other citruses.

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