Grapefruit Gimlet
Yield: 1 serving
A delightful balance of sweet and tart, this colorful twist on the classic cocktail requires just 3 simple ingredients. Easy to adapt, too!


Ingredients

  • 2 ounces freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
  • 2 ounces gin (I like Hendrick’s; see notes for options*)
  • 1 tablespoon simple syrup**
  • Optional: squeeze of fresh lime (about ½ teaspoon, and a slice of lime or grapefruit to garnish

Instructions

  1. For the shaker method: Add the grapefruit juice, gin, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Cover and vigorously shake for 30 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Garnish with a thin triangle wedge of grapefruit or a lime wheel.

    For the easy method: Add the ingredients to an ice-filled glass (chilled if you’ve thought ahead) and stir.


Notes

*I typically use Hendrick’s gin, although you may use your favorite gin or vodka. If using vodka, a citrus-infused option like Absolut mandarin adds a little something special.
**If you enjoy the flavor of elderflower, you could use 1 tablespoon St. Germain in place of the simple syrup.

Prefer a spritzer? Simply top off with sparkling water. In this case, you may enjoy a citrus-infused variety. FeverTree sparkling grapefruit offers a low-sugar option that delivers good flavor, although there are many good options.

A few more things…
For a complementary herbal note, you may add a sprig of rosemary to the simple syrup when preparing it, and then garnish the cocktail with a fresh sprig.
I recently made this drink with a squeeze of lemon, and that was delicious, too. Citrus flavors complement one another, so feel free to experiment with various fruits as well as flavored liquors. Just start with small amounts so you can stop if you don’t like where things are going!


More recipes at FountainAvenueKitchen.com