A refreshing cocktail that features the perfect ingredients for going from winter to spring, this grapefruit gin and tonic is elevated with the addition of rosemary simple syrup. It’s the perfect gin cocktail recipe!
I know a lot of people have an aversion to gin cocktail recipes, but why? I’ve heard the old adage that gin tastes like Christmas trees, and honestly, I’m here for it! This grapefruit gin and tonic is elevated with the addition of rosemary, which is perfect for this time of year!
Grapefruit in this gin cocktail recipe is a nice switch up from lime or lemon that is traditionally served with a gin and tonic. It’s a little bit sweet and a little bit bitter, which is the perfect balance. Then, there is the rosemary simple syrup, which is just so delicious, it could be used in so many recipes!
Now that summer is approaching, I’m looking for any excuse to make a fun cocktail we can enjoy with friends and neighbors. In East Tennessee, the weather is a little all over the place for the months of March, April, and May. This grapefruit gin and tonic recipe has the warm undertones of hearty herbs like rosemary, yet it is still super refreshing with grapefruit.
My husband and I went through a period of time where all we wanted to drink were gin and tonics. Then, we realized we kind of overdid it with the gin and tonics, but we still love the different kinds of gin that are now available. So, while we’ve switched it up quite a bit, we’ve still looked for ways to incorporate gin cocktail recipes into our cocktail hour.
THIS GIN COCKTAIL RECIPE IS:
- Lightly sweet
- Herbal
- A little fruity
- Refreshing
- Light
- Perfect for Spring
INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR THIS GRAPEFRUIT GIN AND TONIC
- Rosemary - the herbal and slightly woody flavor of rosemary is the perfect addition to this gin and tonic recipe
- Granulated sugar - This is necessary for the rosemary simple syrup recipe, but if you prefer, you can substitute honey or maple syrup as well.
- Grapefruit - Pink grapefruit adds a bit of bitterness to this recipe, and it balances out the sweetness from the simple syrup very well.
- Herbal gin - There are so many gins on the market, but I love to choose a smaller batch gin that is more floral and herbal. It really brings out the flavors of the rest of the grapefruit gin and tonic
- Good quality tonic water - This is key! There are lots of different brands of tonic water on the market, but you want to choose one that is higher quality. Not only does it taste better, but it’s better for you.
HOW TO MAKE GRAPEFRUIT GIN AND TONIC WITH ROSEMARY
Start by making the simple syrup. To make the simple syrup, combine sugar, water, grapefruit juice, fresh rosemary sprigs, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium high heat.
Stir the mixture together until well combined, and bring to a simmer. Let the rosemary simple syrup simmer for 2-3 minutes, and then remove from the heat.
Let the mixture cool completely with the rosemary sprigs remaining in the liquid. Once cooled, remove the sprigs of rosemary, and set aside.
Meanwhile, fill a glass with ice, add 1 ½ ounces of gin to the glass. Add 1 tablespoon of rosemary simple syrup to the glass, and top with tonic water. Top off the glass with a squeeze of grapefruit and a sprig of fresh rosemary. ENJOY!
HOW TO STORE SIMPLE SYRUP
This recipe makes about 1 cup of finished simple syrup. To store the simple syrup, place in a refrigerator safe container for up to two weeks. This rosemary simple syrup can also be stored in the freezer for up to two months.
FAQ's
Do I have to use grapefruit in this recipe?
This recipe is also delicious with blood orange or lemon.
Can I substitute vodka in this recipe?
Absolutely! I love to create recipes that can be tailored to your individual taste. If you’re not a gin fan, try this recipe with vodka instead!
SERVE THIS GRAPEFRUIT GIN AND TONIC WITH:
Grapefruit Gin and Tonic with Rosemary
Equipment
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Cocktail spoon
- 1 Jigger or shot glass
Ingredients
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons grapefruit juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1-2 each sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 pinch coarse kosher salt
Grapefruit Gin and Tonic with Rosemary
- 1 ½ ounces gin
- 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup
- 1 ½ ounces light tonic water
- 1 each grapefruit wedge
- 1 each small rosemary sprig
Instructions
- To make the simple syrup, combine the water, grapefruit juice, sugar, fresh rosemary sprigs, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium high heat.
- Stir the mixture together until well combined, and bring to a simmer. Let the rosemary simple syrup simmer for 2-3 minutes, and then remove from the heat.
- Let the mixture cool completely with the rosemary sprigs remaining in the liquid. Once cooled, remove the sprigs of rosemary, and set aside.
- Meanwhile, fill a glass with ice, add 1 ½ ounces of gin to the glass. Add 1 tablespoon of rosemary simple syrup to the glass, and top with tonic water. Top off the glass with a squeeze of grapefruit and a sprig of fresh rosemary. ENJOY!
Notes
- This makes enough simple syrup for several drinks. The simple syrup can be stored in a container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- If you prefer another herb, you may substitute thyme or basil for the rosemary.
- Not a fan of gin? Try this recipe with vodka instead!
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