Grapefruit Rickey

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This Grapefruit Rickey is a light and refreshing summer cocktail that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It is easy to make a couple drinks or a large batch in just a few minutes.

This rickey cocktail variation is a perfect year-round cocktail. For some similar gin cocktails, try this Cucumber Basil Gimlet, this Kiwi Gin Cocktail or this Gin Mojito.

For another rickey cocktail spin-off, try this Bourbon Rickey.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• Grapefruit Rickey
• Expert Tips
• Recipe FAQs
• 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light & Refreshing — This Grapefruit Rickey is a light and refreshing drink that has just the right amount of sweetness. 
• Customizable — It’s easy to adjust the amount of gin in this cocktail to your liking. There are also suggestions for different flavor variations below. 
• Twist on a Classic — If you love a classic rickey cocktail, then you’ll love this grapefruit twist.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Gin: A floral gin would work well in this cocktail, but you can use whatever type of gin you enjoy the taste of. 
• Grapefruit Juice: If you have the time, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice will give the best flavor, but store bought grapefruit juice will work just as well too. If you are using freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, you may want to add in a dash of regular simple syrup to balance the tartness of the fresh juice. 
• Lime Juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice. You could substitute this with lemon juice if you prefer. 
• Club Soda: Club soda or sparkling water are what are used in a classic rickey cocktail. However, you can use tonic water or even lemon-lime soda for a bit of a sweeter flavor.

Grapefruit Rickey

Step 1: Add the gin, grapefruit juice and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Step 2: Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and serve.

Expert Tips

• Make it a mocktail. This makes a great mocktail for kids as well as adults who don’t drink. Just leave out the gin and replace the club soda with Sprite or 7Up. 
• Add some simple syrup. Grapefruit juice (especially if you are using freshly squeezed juice) can be a bit tart. If you want a sweeter drink, add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of regular simple syrup. Or try a flavored simple syrup for a variation. This Thyme Simple Syrup, this Basil Simple Syrup or this Rosemary Simple Syrup would all be delicious in this drink. 
• Make a pitcher. If you want to serve a large batch of this cocktail for friends, multiply the ingredients by 5 to 6 times and serve it in a large pitcher. Make sure to only add the club soda right before serving to keep the drink fizzy.

Recipe FAQs

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📖 Recipe