For New Year’s Eve this year, I made a traditional French 75, but with the addition of a little fresh thyme. There is just something about herbs in a cocktail. I’m slightly obsessed with it! I wanted to make a grapefruit cocktail, but couldn’t find the perfect one.
I first tried a mimosa with grapefruit juice instead of orange juice. It was missing something. Then, I tried grapefruit and thyme with vodka and a little club soda. It was still missing something. Finally, I remembered the delicious cocktail I made for New Year’s Eve, and voila! It turned out just how I wanted! A little bitterness from the grapefruit juice is so well balanced with the thyme and sparkling wine. I will definitely be making this for my next brunch party…you know…when we can have parties again!
So what do you need for this cocktail?
- Grapefruit juice – You can either do fresh squeezed or get the no-sugar added bottled kind.
- Fresh Thyme – Thyme is one of my favorite herbs, and I think it works so beautifully in a cocktail.
- Sparkling Wine – I would use and extra dry or a brut for this. I do not recommend prosecco.
How does this cocktail come together?
Make your grapefruit and thyme syrup. In a small saucepan, stir together the grapefruit juice and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Turn the heat off, and add thyme sprigs. Let the sprigs steep for 10 minutes before removing from the mixture. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill completely. (NOTE: This can be made a day or so ahead of time!)
Mix and enjoy! Once the grapefruit mixture has chilled, it’s time to make the cocktails! Place 3 oz of vodka in a cocktail shaker. Add ½ of the grapefruit mixture. Fill the shaker with ice, place the lid on the shaker, and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, or until the mixture is well combined. Strain into 2 glasses, and top with ¼ cup sparkling wine and a sprig of thyme. For the remaining 2 cocktails, repeat the process with the remaining vodka and grapefruit syrup.
ENJOY, and as always let me know what you think in the comments below and over on Instagram @sugarandsalt_co!