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Home » Drinks » Cocktails » Vodka Cocktails

Basil Grapefruit Martini

Published: Nov 11, 2022 · Modified: Feb 20, 2024 by Ali

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This Basil Grapefruit Martini is a light, refreshing & herby vodka cocktail that is perfect for spring. Made with a homemade basil simple syrup, this cocktail will impress your guests.

A basil grapefruit martini garnished with a slice of grapefruit, on a white marble table.

Martinis don’t have to be boring — there are lots of creative fruity martini variations you can make. For example, try this Raspberry Martini, this Strawberry Martini, this Amaretto Martini or this Lemon Basil Martini.

For some other citrus spring cocktails, try this Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini, this Lychee Mojito, this Mango Tango Cocktail or this Strawberry Gimlet.

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make A Grapefruit Martini With Basil
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Basil Syrup — The homemade Basil Simple Syrup is what sets this martini apart. The basil syrup adds much more basil flavor to this cocktail that just muddling herbs in the bottom of the shaker does.
  • Tart & Sweet — This martini has just the right balance of flavors between the tart grapefruit and sweet basil syrup. 
  • Spring Cocktail — This cocktail can be made year-round, but it is particularly enjoyable in spring, right as herb season is starting.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The ingredients needed to make a grapefruit martini.
  • Grapefruit Juice: You can use whatever type of grapefruit juice you like. White grapefruit juice, pink grapefruit juice or ruby red grapefruit juice will all work well for this cocktail, but the type of juice will change the color of the cocktail. 
  • Basil Leaves: You will need about a handful of fresh basil leaves to make the basil syrup. Dried basil leaves won’t work for this recipe.
  • Vodka: Use your preferred type of vodka. If you have it on hand, grapefruit vodka or another type of citrus vodka will add a bit more fruity flavor. For a vodka substitute, use blanco tequila or white rum. 
  • Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor. 
  • Water & Sugar: A combination of water and sugar is used along with the basil leaves to make the basil syrup.

How To Make A Grapefruit Martini With Basil

Step 1: Heat the basil leaves, sugar and water together in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.

Heating the basil leaves, sugar and water together in a saucepan.

Step 2: Once the sugar has completely dissolved, remove the basil leaves and let the syrup cool to room temperature.

Straining out the basil leaves from the syrup.

Step 3: Add the grapefruit juice, basil syrup, vodka and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain.

Pouring the martini from the cocktail shaker into a martini glass.

Expert Tips

  • Store leftover basil simple syrup in the fridge. This recipe will make a bit of extra basil syrup. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. You can use the leftovers for basil lemonade or for this Lemon Basil Martini. 
  • Chill the martini glasses. Since martinis are not served over ice, chilling the glasses in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes before serving will help keep your cocktail extra cold while sipping it. 
  • Make it a mocktail. For a mocktail, just leave out the vodka. You could also add a dash of club soda or 7Up for a bit of fizz.

Recipe FAQs

Can I muddle basil leaves into the cocktail instead of using basil syrup?

You could replace the basil syrup with muddled basil leaves instead, but you probably won’t get as strong a basil flavor. You may also want to add in a dash of simple syrup to balance out the tart grapefruit.

Can I use a store bought basil syrup instead of a homemade one?

Yes. You can use a storebought basil syrup instead of making your own. You may need to adjust the amount of basil syrup added as store bought syrups vary brand to brand.

A basil grapefruit martini garnished with basil leaves and a slice of grapefruit.
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📖 Recipe

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A basil grapefruit martini garnished with a slice of grapefruit, on a white marble table.

Basil Grapefruit Martini


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  • Author: Ali
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This Basil Grapefruit Martini is a light, refreshing & herby vodka cocktail that is perfect for spring. Made with a homemade basil simple syrup, this cocktail will impress your guests.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Basil Simple Syrup:
    • ½ cup fresh basil leaves
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup water
  • Basil Grapefruit Martini:
    • 2 oz grapefruit juice
    • 1 ½ oz vodka
    • 1 oz basil simple syrup
    • ½ oz lemon juice

Instructions

  1. First, make the basil simple syrup. Heat the basil leaves, sugar and water together in a small saucepan over medium heat. 
  2. Continue to heat, stirring occasionally and pressing the leaves to release their juices, for about 5 to 10 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved. Don’t let the syrup boil. 
  3. Remove the basil syrup from the stove and strain out the basil leaves. Let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
  4. Next, make the basil grapefruit martini. Add the grapefruit juice, vodka, basil syrup and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well for 30 seconds until the outside is frosted. Strain into a chilled martini glass and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Mocktail: For a mocktail, leave out the vodka and optionally add a dash of club soda or 7Up.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Cocktail Recipes
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cocktail
  • Calories: 197
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 0.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25.5g
  • Fiber: 0.1g
  • Protein: 0.4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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Ali in a white tank top wearing sunglasses, with trees with yellow leaves in the background.

Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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