Name: Grapefruit Martini
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup ice; 3 oz. fresh squeezed grapefruit juice; ½ oz. triple sec; Juice of 1 lemon wedge; 2 oz. vodka; ½ oz. simple syrup, optional; Fresh grapefruit slices for garnish

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This easy Grapefruit Martini adds a fruity twist to the traditional martini. The vibrant blend of grapefruit juice, vodka, triple sec, and lemon juice, plus a touch of simple syrup, yields a delightfully tart cocktail with a hint of sweetness. It’s bound to be a hit at your next party!

Refreshing grapefruit martini with citrus slices and elegant presentation.

Combining smooth vodka with tangy grapefruit juice, this Grapefruit Martini is the go-to refreshing drink for happy hour. The grapefruit’s tartness keeps the cocktail bright and energetic, while vodka provides a clean, refined base. Triple sec adds a hint of zesty orange flavor. If you prefer your drinks on the sweeter side, just add a splash of simple syrup. This drink is a simple way to elevate any get-together with minimal effort. The flavors are bold yet accessible for a wide range of preferences. It’s the ideal no-hassle cocktail that looks and tastes amazing.

This martini is a great choice for spring and summer, but it’s also perfect any time you’re craving something light and refreshing. It’s suitable for brunches, summer BBQs, cocktail parties, bridal showers, celebratory dinners, and relaxing evenings on the patio.

This grapefruit martini pairs wonderfully with seafood such as shrimp cocktail, my Crab and Shrimp Cakes, my Grilled Plank Salmon, as well as light bites like bruschetta, Sausage Rolls, salads, or even sushi. The citrus flavor cuts through rich tastes while complementing fresh, herb-inspired dishes.

Ingredients

Ice – to chill the martini as you shake it.
Grapefruit Juice – fresh-squeezed is best. Use ruby red, white (yellow), or pink grapefruit for this drink.
Triple Sec – this orange liqueur adds sweet, zesty flavor to the cocktail.
Lemon Juice – Use the juice from 1 lemon wedge to add depth of citrus flavor and brightness.
Vodka – use your favorite brand. You can also use grapefruit-flavored vodka.
Simple Syrup – this is optional. Use if you prefer a sweeter martini.
Grapefruit Slices – for garnish

Directions

To your cocktail shaker, add ice, grapefruit juice, triple sec, lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup, if desired. Shake to combine and chill. Pour, strained, into your cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh grapefruit.

Best Grapefruit Varieties To Use

You’ll find 3 main types of grapefruit at your grocery store: ruby red, white, and pink. Each type has its own distinct characteristics. Any of them may be used depending on the flavors you want to highlight.

Ruby Red grapefruit is juicy and sweet with a mild tartness. It provides a gorgeous color and a balanced sweetness without excessive bitterness. It’s the classic pick for both flavor and visual appeal.
White (or yellow) grapefruit is known for its tartness and slight bitterness. This variety will give your drink a more pronounced citrus flavor. Typically, you’ll need to add some simple syrup or liqueur to sweeten it up. It’s ideal for dry, bold martinis.
Pink grapefruit is sweeter and less bitter than the white variety. It brings a soft pink tint and a gentle citrus sweetness. It’s perfect when you’re aiming for a slightly sweeter, lighter martini.

Can I Use Bottled Grapefruit Juice?

While freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice will give you the best flavor, you can use bottled juice. Look for pure grapefruit juice with no added sugar.

Variations

Alcohol – swap out the vodka for gin, which will give the martini a more botanical, slightly drier flavor. You could also try tequila blanco, which will make it more citrus-forward. You can also replace the triple sec with elderflower liqueur for a more floral flavor.
Simple Syrup – Use agave nectar instead of simple syrup. You could also try honey syrup, which is 1 part hot water and 1 part honey. Let it cool completely before adding to the cocktail.
Sparkling: make the martini according to the recipe, strain and pour, then top it off with Prosecco or champagne.

Can I Make This For A Crowd?

Yes. For serving 8-10 people, combine 2 cups of vodka, 2 cups of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup triple sec, and (optional) 1/4 cup simple syrup in a large pitcher. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight. When ready to serve, add ice to the pitcher, stir, and strain out the ice as you pour into individual glasses.

Storage

Once made, the martini should be enjoyed immediately. However, you can make a batch of grapefruit martinis (see the section above for how to do this) and keep them in the fridge until ready to serve.

More Easy Cocktail Recipes

Blackberry Margarita
Lemonade Margarita
Pink Moscato Berry Punch
Blackberry Lime Mojito
Cranberry Mimosa
Festive Birthday Cake Martini

Makes 1 Martini