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Pink Grapefruit Martini

Indulge in the vibrant and tangy flavors of a grapefruit martini with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or a night out, this refreshing cocktail is tart, sweet and refreshing. 

Raise a glass to the amazing combination of citrusy grapefruit and smooth vodka with our tantalizing grapefruit martini recipe. This delightful cocktail is a perfect blend of refreshing flavors. 

The star of this grapefruit martini recipe is, of course, the grapefruit. Its tangy and slightly bitter notes complement the sweetness of the cocktail perfectly. Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is the key to achieving the ultimate flavor. It’s important to choose ripe and juicy fresh grapefruits to ensure the best taste. 

To balance the tartness of the grapefruit, a touch of sweetness is added to the martini to allow for the natural sweetness of the grapefruit should shine through. The result is a refreshing grapefruit martini that is the blend of sweet and sour flavors that dance on your palate.

Whether you’re hosting a party for a special occasion or simply want to unwind after a long day at happy hour, this classic cocktail recipe is sure to impress. 

So grab your shaker and get ready to sip on a deliciously tangy and satisfying grapefruit martini.

How to Make a Pink Grapefruit Martini

Grapefruit Martini Ingredients 

  • ice cubes, to fill a martini shaker or Mason Jar
  • 1 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 6 oz vodka
  • 2 oz orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or triple sec
  • 1 large lime, cut into slices
  • Cocktail Glass or Martini Glasses
grapefruit martinis

Instructions 

The first step is to fill a cocktail shaker with ice

Add all of the other ingredients.

Cover shaker and shake vigorously to blend.

Remove lid and strain into a chilled martini glass.

grapefruit martinis

Garnish your easy cocktail, if desired, with a twist of grapefruit peel, a sugared rim or with slices of lime. 

Tips and Tricks for Making a Martini with Grapefruit Juice

  • Opt for ripe and juicy grapefruits to ensure the best flavor. Look for fruits that are slightly soft when gently squeezed. Ruby red grapefruit or pink grapefruits are popular choices due to their vibrant color and sweeter taste.
  • For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. This will provide the true essence of the fruit and enhance the overall taste of the martini. Avoid using pre-packaged or bottled grapefruit juice, as it may contain added sugars or preservatives.
  • Before mixing the martini, make sure to chill the grapefruit juice, vodka, and any other ingredients in the refrigerator or with ice. A well-chilled martini will be more refreshing and enjoyable to sip.
  • When mixing the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, be sure to shake vigorously. This helps to combine the flavors and properly chill the martini. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass for a professional touch.
  • Add a touch of elegance and visual appeal to your cocktail with garnish. 
  • Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations of the grapefruit martini. You can add a splash of another fruit juice, such as cranberry or pineapple, or infuse the vodka with herbs like basil or mint for an extra layer of flavor.
grapefruit martinis

What to Serve with a Grapefruit Martini?

Whether you’re serving this at a party or enjoying it at home, there are plenty of delicious food items that pair perfectly with a Grapefruit Martini.

Grapefruit martinis pair well with various appetizers and light dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your martinis:

  • The citrusy and refreshing notes of the Grapefruit Martini complement seafood dishes wonderfully, such as a shrimp cocktail
  • Create a delicious cheese and charcuterie board with a selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, olives, and crusty bread. The combination of flavors will complement the martini nicely.
  • Opt for light and refreshing salads that feature complementary flavors. A citrus salad with mixed greens, grapefruit segments, avocado, and tangy salad dressings would be a perfect choice.
  • Prepare bruschetta or crostini with toppings like fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, or goat cheese. These bite-sized appetizers will provide a delightful contrast to the martini.
  • Finish off the evening with a light and citrusy dessert that complements the grapefruit flavors.
    Lemon bars, citrus sorbet, or a grapefruit tart would be delightful choices.

Remember, the goal is to enhance the flavors of the martini without overpowering it. Choose dishes that are light, refreshing, and complement the citrusy and tangy notes of the Grapefruit Martini recipe. 

grapefruit martinis

Easy Grapefruit Juice Martini FAQs

What type of vodka is best for a grapefruit martini?

When it comes to choosing vodka for a grapefruit martini, it’s best to opt for a high-quality, neutral vodka. This allows the flavors of the grapefruit and other ingredients to shine through. However, feel free to experiment with flavored vodkas or citrus-infused vodkas for added depth of flavor.

Can I use bottled grapefruit juice instead of fresh juice?

While using freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is ideal for the freshest and most vibrant flavor, you can use bottled pink grapefruit juice as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand that doesn’t contain any added sugars or preservatives.

How do I rim the martini glass with sugar?

To rim the martini glass with sugar, begin by moistening the rim with a slice of grapefruit or by dipping it in water. Then, gently dip the rim into a shallow dish containing white sugar. Rotate the glass to ensure an even coating of sugar around the rim. This adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to your grapefruit martini.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a grapefruit martini?

Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka and replace it with a non-alcoholic alternative such as club soda or sparkling water. You can still enjoy the refreshing flavors of a grapefruit martini without the alcohol content.

How can I adjust the sweetness of a grapefruit martini?

If you find your grapefruit martini too sweet or not sweet enough, you can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweetener, such as simple syrup, to taste. Start with the recommended amount in the recipe and gradually adjust until it suits your preference.

*As an Amazon Associate, this recipe contains affiliate links.

grapefruit martinis

Pink Grapefruit Martini Recipe

Yield: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Indulge in the vibrant and tangy flavors of a grapefruit martini with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or a night out, this refreshing cocktail is tart, sweet and refreshing. 

Ingredients

  • ice, to fill a shaker
  • 1 1/2 cup fresh pink grapefruit juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 6 oz vodka
  • 2 oz orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or triple sec
  • 1 large lime, cut into slices

Instructions

    1. Fill cocktail shaker with ice and add all other ingredients.
    2. Cover and shake vigorously to blend. 
    3. Remove lid and strain into martini glasses.
    4. Garnish with slices of lime and serve immediately. Enjoy! 

Notes

For an equally delicious alcohol-free version, replace the vodka and orange liquor with 1 cup sparkling water and ¼ cup fresh orange juice. Then, pour all ingredients into a pitcher filled with ice, rather than a cocktail shaker, to combine before serving.

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Iamnirt

Saturday 19th of June 2021

Delish!! I loosely followed - 2 oz vodka, 1 oz triple sec, one oz lime juice, two oz ruby grapefruit juice over ice filled martini shaker and shake shake shake pour into a sugar rimmed glass. Delish!! Thanks for a great recipe! Cheers!

Alicia Hewitt

Saturday 14th of July 2018

This sounds absolutely delicious!! I have got to make this for my next girls night!!

June S.

Sunday 8th of July 2018

(Pink Grapefruit Martini) This recipe for the grapefruit martinis sounds really good to me, I would substitute the grapefruit juice with either pineapple or pink lemonade because I take cholesterol medication.

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