Grapefruit Crush

This grapefruit crush vodka cocktail is a tasty and refreshing summer drink. Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, with both lemon and lime juices. Balanced out with sweet thyme simple syrup and a dash of triple sec. This tart grapefruit drink is an easy crowd pleaser that everyone will love!

For other grapefruit cocktails, try this grapefruit martini, or this non alcoholic paloma mocktail.

How to make thyme simple syrup:

This grapefruit crush cocktail uses thyme simple syrup instead of regular simple syrup. This syrup add both sweetness as well as a subtle thyme flavor to the cocktail.

How to make the thyme simple syrup: Heat 1 cup of thyme sprigs, ½ cup water and ½ cup granulated sugar together on a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir occasionally to encourage the sugar to dissolve. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature before mixing it into your cocktail.

For full details including storage tips, see the thyme simple syrup recipe.

Ingredients:

• Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is the best for this grapefruit crush, but you can use store bought grapefruit juice as well. Try to avoid any artificial tasting juices for the most authentic taste.
• Lemon & Lime Juices: This crush cocktail uses a combo of both lemon and lime, which works really well for this drink. Again, use freshly squeezed juice for both.
• Vodka: Any type of regular vodka works. If you happen to have grapefruit flavored vodka, you could use that, but it’s not essential.
• Triple Sec: You can replace this with any other type of orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
• Thyme Simple Syrup: This flavored simple syrup is easy to make and you can use the leftovers for lots of other types of drinks. If you want, you can just use regular simple syrup, but this thyme one is just as fast to make.

Expert Tips:

• Strain the pulp. If you are using freshly squeezed juices, pass the strained juice through a fine mesh sieve. This removes all the small pieces of pulp and makes a smoother drink.
• Use fresh ice. Always throw out the ice you used in the cocktail shaker and serve the drink in a glass of fresh ice. The ice in the shaker is broken down and will melt quicker, watering down your drink.
• What to do if you don’t have a cocktail shaker: Ideally, this grapefruit crush is made with a shaker. However, if you don’t have one, don’t let it stop you from making it. To make sure your drink is served nice and cold, chill the serving glasses, freshly squeezed juices and simple syrup in the fridge until cold. Chill the alcohols in the freezer. When making the drink, stir well to combine all the ingredients and serve with ice .

Variations:

• Pear Crush: To add a slight pear flavor instead, use pear simple syrup rather than the thyme one. The grapefruit with still be much stronger in taste, so if you want a bit more pear flavor, add in some pear nectar.
• Blueberry Crush: Replace the thyme syrup with blueberry simple syrup. This will also turn your drink a beautiful pinkish-purple color.
• Mango Crush: Replace half of the grapefruit juice with pure mango nectar.
• Fizzy Crush: If you like more fizzy cocktails, add in some club soda or sprite after you have shaken and strained the rest of the ingredients in a shaker.

Other cocktails you will love:

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📖 Recipe