Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
I am not a huge drinker if you can even say I drink. Usually, it happens a couple of times a year. But I can’t turn down a tasty mocktail. And this delicious sparkling grapefruit mocktail recipe is one you won’t turn down either! I mean, can you even resist it and try not to grab it through the screen? Yeah, I didn’t think so! And, just in time to assist any of you working your way through Dry January, as well! Say we don’t think of it all!
I used to be more of a social drinker and mostly had my usual glass of white wine. Or my favourite spirits, but that’s where the horizon downed on my drink choices. So why share a mocktail? I want to get out of my comfort zone this year with the blog and start sharing something different. And get my hands dirty in the kitchen, or bar in this case!
Anyway, going back to the main event of this post. This grapefruit mocktail is so delicious and so versatile. It’s a recipe that can easily be adapted depending on who you are making it for. It can easily become a co*cktail too just by adding your favourite liquor of choice. Or if you have a large group of guests it can easily be made in big batches. But in any case, this non alcoholic drink is one that will be delicious in any form!
this …
This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. We would only recommend products we use and love ourselves, and all opinions expressed here are our own. Please read our Privacy Policy here. Thank you!
Before we dive into the grapefruit mocktail, let’s check out what this easy mocktail recipe is made of and learn more about mocktails.
Table of Contents
What is a mocktail?
Essentially, a mocktail is the non-alcoholic version of a co*cktail. Trying still to keep the same complexity in flavour and balance what you would have with a co*cktail recipe. The main ingredients are usually sodas, juices, herbs and syrups, which are used as a base to create the perfect mocktail.
They are now quite the trend as you can keep a flavourful drink non-alcoholic without losing anything important! You will find the most famous drinks made into mocktails nowadays. As well as finding pillars of the mocktail bars coming back to trend like the Shirley Temple. Mostly during dry January, you will see a peak in recipes around bars and restaurants too. But they don’t have to be restricted just to a month a year. If you are off the alcohol for whatever reason, why not have options?
What goes in this sparkling grapefruit mocktail recipe?
All the ingredients for this mocktail recipe are easy to find. The star of the show is, of course, the fresh grapefruit juice. Which can easily be found at any shop in case it’s not in season like now, it’s easy to find squeezed grapefruit juice on the shelves. Next up there’s fresh rosemary, soda water, lime, ice cubes and sugar. Which are all ingredients easy to find anywhere, and possibly already in your home.
What is a grapefruit? Are they good for you?
I love to start recipes with a bit of back work on ingredients. The main ingredient in this mocktail recipe is pink grapefruit. Which is a tropical citrus fruit known for its balanced sweet and tart flavour.
There are different types of grapefruit like the pink grapefruit used in this sweet mocktail recipe and tart, red grapefruit and white grapefruit which is the sourest of them all. And many more varieties too. I was as surprised as you are, trust me!
Grapefruits have a lot of benefits:
- rich in nutrients, like vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as fibres, minerals and antioxidants;
- can benefit your immune system;
- low in calories;
- can help prevent diabetes;
- can improve heart health;
- may reduce the risk of kidney stones;
- very hydrating. (Healthline)
Is rosemary good for you?
Indeed it is! Rosemary is a shrub native to the Mediterranean that is popular in any kitchen. Used as a herb fresh or dried in cooking, infused in oil, used in teas and also has great use in medicine. So why wouldn’t you use it in drinks too? And not only as a garnish!
Rosemary contains:
- a high percentage of manganese, which helps the blood clotting when injured;
- has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties;
- can lower the risk of infections;
- can potentially reduce the risk of cancer;
- reduces stress and anxiety;
- improves memory and concentration (Web MD).
Can I substitute anything in this mocktail recipe?
If you are not a fan of grapefruit, I am sure you can arrange a change in citrus fruit and therefore balance again your mocktail. Though this has not been tried so it takes a bit of work on your own. In case you find pink grapefruits too sweet, you can change them for another variety of grapefruits and check the sugar in the recipe to balance it out.
Rosemary works well with grapefruit so I would suggest not changing it. And talking about lime juice, I think it adds a kick to the grapefruit mocktail that takes it up a notch. If you don’t have lime on hand, lemon might work as well, but make sure you adjust the levels accordingly.
If sugar is not for you, you can substitute it for honey, or maybe maple syrup or any sugar replacements. As usual with any changes to the recipe, you need to tweak it to get your perfect mocktail!
How do I make this grapefruit mocktail recipe?
I thought you would never ask! Jokes apart, this grapefruit mocktail starts with a simple syrup. Nothing too complicated, you know me, I mess up even the simplest of dishes. All you need is a small pan and on low heat, you will add water, sugar, juice of the grapefruit, juice of a lime and rosemary. let it simmer for around ten minutes so that the sugar will melt and the juices will have taken the flavour of the rosemary too and mixed.
After you strain the syrup, you have to let it cool. It won’t take long, depending on what vessel you use. The larger the container the faster it will be. I had a small jug so it took twenty minutes to half an hour. After that get ready to assemble your grapefruit mocktail!
Do I have to make the syrup or can I pass on it?
I find that making this simple syrup for this grapefruit co*cktail is what links the flavours. If you would just add all the ingredients to a glass, you would lose the rosemary infusion as well as that punchy flavour when all the ingredients mix. Therefore I would suggest you make it as it only takes 10 minutes top.
You can also keep this syrup for up to a month in the fridge and keep making this over and over. Because it’s so delicious you can’t miss it! If you are a fan of syrup, you can also try this easy gingerbread syrup to keep at home. And if you love different syrups, we have recipes for blueberry syrup, strawberry syrup and lavender syrup which we used for delicious drinks.
How does this sparkling grapefruit mocktail taste?
This grapefruit mocktail was everything I was not expecting. I am, to be honest with everyone, not a fan of grapefruit. I dislike it to say it all. So you will ask why making this in the first place. Everyone at home loves grapefruit and I convinced myself to try it again. It did redeem a bit the fruit with everything in the drink, but I am still on the fence about having a grapefruit as I would an orange.
Anyway, going back to the question. Pink grapefruits are very balanced in sweetness and tartness, so it shows in the mocktail. The lime adds a refreshing yet punchy touch to the drink as well as in the sugar-rimmed glasses. The rosemary adds an aromatic touch that binds everything together.
Sparkling Grapefruit Mocktail With Rosemary
- Author: Cristina
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This grapefruit mocktail with rosemary is a refreshing and tarty drink, perfect to serve at a party or have at the end of the day with your favourite snack.
Ingredients
UnitsScale
For the simple syrup
- freshly squeezed juice of 1 pink grapefruit (or 3/4 cup of bottled juice)
- juice of 1/2 lime
- 3 sprigs of rosemary (around 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary)
- 60 g white sugar
- 200 ml water
For the grapefruit mocktail
- sugar for rimming
- 1/2 lime
- 60 g simple syrup
- 100 ml sparkling water
- Rosemary for garnish
- grapefruit for garnish
- ice cubes (around 5/7 small ice cubes)
Instructions
- To prepare the simple syrup, start by squeezing the grapefruit and half of the lime.
- Add the juices to a small saucepan with the water, sugar and rosemary. Simmer the content for around 7-9 minutes, until the liquids are well mixed and take off the heat.
- Strain the syrup and leave it to cool.
- Wet the rim of your favourite glasses for the mocktails with the other half of the lime.
- Then with the help of a small plate with sugar, dip the glass in it. You will get a sweet and tangy sugar rim for your mocktail.
- Add some ice to your glass (depending on size or preference. We added 5/7 small ice cubes).
- Measure 60ml of simple syrup in your serving glass and add 100ml of sparkling water on top.
- Mix well your drink with a spoon.
- Cut some grapefruit into slices and use it to garnish your mocktail. Use some of the sprigs of rosemary to garnish your drink and get ready to serve.
Notes
The syrup can be kept for up to a month in the fridge when well stored. Just double-check it in case anything seems to be too bitter to serve.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Drink
Keywords: grapefruit mocktail
Recipe Card powered by
What can I pair this grapefruit mocktail with?
This mocktail is perfect for every season. Grapefruits are in season from November through June, but you can get grapefruit juice all year round. Therefore this mocktail is perfect with anything from your bbq recipes to your pizza recipes.
I think it would work like a treat with these peach ricotta crostini, this savoury rosemary shortbread recipe or with your favourite bbq recipes like ribs or roasted veggies. the world is your oyster when it comes to pairing!
This grapefruit mocktail with rosemary was honestly a hit at home! And, it even redeemed a bit of grapefruit for me, so it was a win-win! The simple syrup was even better than I expected and everyone chugged it like water, not what I was expecting, but we take it! It was fun to try and taste recipes without following more than an idea. Also taking pictures was fun, of which I always dread the outcome!
SHOP THE POST
I hope you get to try this grapefruit mocktail with rosemary and tweak the recipe to your liking too! Are you a fan of mocktails? Do you ever make any non-alcoholic beverages? Let us know in the comments!
If you are after any more drink recipes, we have a wide selection from lemonades to easy co*cktail recipes like this rooibos co*cktail or melon cucumber co*cktail. If you are after some savoury recipes, check out this quick satay roasted Brussels sprouts recipe that could work well with it. Or check out our latest vegan panna cotta dessert recipe. Stay tuned for more mocktail recipes soon!
PIN THE GRAPEFRUIT MOCKTAIL RECIPE FOR LATER!
