Grapefruit Smash: A Contemporary Cocktail You Need To Try!
The Grapefruit Smash is a contemporary cocktail that has been making waves in bars and restaurants around the world. It’s a refreshing combination of ruby grapefruit juice, gin or vodka, and simple syrup – served over crushed ice with a slice of lime. The acidity from the grapefruit balances out the sweetness from the simple syrup for an unforgettable experience. This unique drink was created by renowned bartender Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in New York City in 2005. Since then, it has become one of the most popular cocktails on menus nationwide. What makes this drink so special is its ability to combine sweet and tart flavors – while also being incredibly easy to make. Today, you can find Grapefruit Smashes everywhere from high-end restaurants to cozy neighborhood pubs. It’s no wonder that this delicious contemporary cocktail has quickly become a favorite among mixologists and connoisseurs alike!
A Grapefruit Smash is a refreshing and tangy cocktail that combines the flavors of grapefruit, citrus, and mint with the spirit of your choice. It is perfect for warm weather or as a palate cleanser, and its bright flavors make it an enjoyable and easy-to-drink beverage. The recipe below features vodka as the base spirit, but you can also use gin, tequila, or even bourbon, depending on your preference.
Grapefruit Smash
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka or your preferred spirit
- 1/2 grapefruit juiced, about 4 ounces
- 1/2 oz simple syrup adjust to taste
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- Ice
- Garnish: mint sprig and grapefruit slice optional
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the grapefruit wedges if using, or add the grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves together to release the grapefruit juice and the mint's essential oils.
- Add the vodka (or your preferred spirit) and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake the mixture well until chilled and combined.
- Double-strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any pulp or mint leaves.
- Optionally, garnish with a mint sprig and a grapefruit slice before serving.
Glassware
Typical or usual glassware for a grapefruit smash cocktail is typically a Collins glass, which is tall and cylindrical with a tapered lip. Alternatively, it can also be served in a Martini or rocks glass if the recipe calls for smaller amounts of ingredients. A highball glass can also be used to serve this kind of drink if desired. For presentation purposes, garnishes like orange slices or lime wedges could be added on top as well.
Flavors
The main flavors of a Grapefruit Smash come from the tart and sweet ruby red grapefruit juice and the spirit, usually gin or vodka. The combination creates a refreshing citrusy flavor that perfectly balances out the sweetness of simple syrup and fresh lime juice.
When made correctly, this cocktail is light and flavorful with complex notes of juniper from the gin or herbal hints from vodka. To top it off, you can use rosemary for some earthy undertones or mint leaves for an intense aromatic finish that complements all other flavors in one sip!
3 tips for Making Your Grapefruit smash
- Use freshly-squeezed grapefruit and lime juice for best results.
- To make a sweeter drink, add more simple syrup to taste.
- Experiment with different types of spirits (e.g., tequila or whiskey) to create unique flavor profiles!
