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Rosemary Gin Grapefruit Cocktail Recipe with Citrus Twist

Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktail is destined to be a new favorite. Herbal rosemary simple syrup and a floral gin complement tart ruby red grapefruit juice for a bright, balanced drink.

rosemary and gin grapefruit cocktail in a glass of ice garnished with a grapefruit wedge and a sprig of rosemary, slice of grapefruit and a knife to the side with another cocktail, grapefruit juice, bottle of gin and shaker in the background

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I didn’t always love grapefruit. As a kid the bright tartness felt too sharp, but combined with a rosemary-infused simple syrup and a floral gin, grapefruit becomes irresistible. This cocktail has become one of my go-to drinks: lively, fragrant, and dangerously easy to sip.

Make the rosemary simple syrup

Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water heated until the sugar dissolves. Infusing the mixture with fresh rosemary gives the syrup a subtle, woodsy aroma that pairs beautifully with gin and grapefruit. For the rosemary simple syrup you’ll need:

  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary
rosemary simple syrup ingredients include sugar, water and rosemary sprigs

Combine sugar, water, and rosemary in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool completely with the rosemary still steeping in the liquid for stronger flavor. When cooled, discard the rosemary sprigs. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will keep for up to a month.

two sprigs of rosemary floating in a pan of simple syrup

Ingredients and tools you’ll need

This cocktail uses just three main ingredients. To make Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktails for two, gather:

  • 2 ounces gin per drink — choose a mid-range gin with pleasant juniper and floral notes. Examples that work well: Bombay Sapphire, Beefeater, Sipsmith, or Tanqueray.
  • 3 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice per drink — fresh squeezed is best for bright flavor.
  • 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup per drink — add more to taste if you prefer it sweeter.

Tools:

  • Cocktail shaker (metal or glass) or a mason jar with a secure lid
  • Measuring tool for ounces, such as a cocktail jigger or a small measuring cup
rosemary and gin grapefruit cocktail ingredients include gin, grapefruit juice and rosemary simple syrup

How to make a Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktail

Fill a shaker with ice. Add 2 ounces gin, 3 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice, and 1 ounce cooled rosemary simple syrup (increase syrup slightly if you like it sweeter). Shake vigorously for a few seconds until well chilled and combined. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a sprig of rosemary if desired. Enjoy immediately.

hand pouring a shot glass of grapefruit juice into a metal shaker full of ice
pair of hands holding a metal cocktail shaker
hand pouring a grapefruit cocktail from a shaker into a glass garnished with a grapefruit wedge and a sprig of rosemary
hand placing a sprig of rosemary in a cocktail glass

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rosemary and gin grapefruit cocktail in a glass of ice garnished with a grapefruit wedge and a sprig of rosemary, slice of grapefruit and a knife to the side with another cocktail, grapefruit juice, bottle of gin and shaker in the background

Rosemary and Gin Grapefruit Cocktail

Herbal rosemary simple syrup and floral gin pair beautifully with tart ruby red grapefruit juice to create a refreshing, balanced cocktail.
4.58 from 14 votes

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Course: cocktails
Cuisine: American
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Servings: 2 drinks
Calories: 176kcal
Author: Lisa Bynum

Ingredients

For the rosemary simple syrup:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 large sprigs fresh rosemary

For the cocktail:

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 3 ounces ruby red grapefruit juice
  • 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup more if you prefer it sweeter

Instructions

For the rosemary simple syrup:

  • Combine sugar, water, and rosemary in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Bring to a boil, then simmer until the sugar dissolves, about 1–2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let cool completely with the rosemary steeping in the syrup.
  • Discard the rosemary stems before using.

For the cocktail:

  • Fill a shaker with ice and add gin, grapefruit juice, and rosemary simple syrup.
  • Shake vigorously for a few seconds until chilled and combined.
  • Strain into glasses filled with ice.
  • Garnish with grapefruit wedges and rosemary sprigs if desired.

Notes

The rosemary simple syrup can be made ahead and refrigerated in a sealed container for up to a month.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cocktail
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Calories: 176kcal
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Carbohydrates: 17 g
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Protein: 0.9 g
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