Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic23.9% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Easyshaken drink
Why: 3 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Cheese, Chocolate, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrus
- 1.0 ozGrapefruit JuiceCitrus
- 1.0 ozGinBase
- 1.0 ozMaraschinoModifier
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeGarnish
- Shake with ice and strain into cocktail glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Serve with a cherry.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.CitrusLemon is bright and sharp; lime is more floral and slightly sweeter; orange is softer and rounder; grapefruit adds bitter edge. They are not interchangeable — each changes the acidity and aroma of the drink. If you swap, adjust the sweetener to rebalance.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Grapefruit Cocktail?
- The Grapefruit Cocktail is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 23.9%. A standard serving contains approximately 168 calories.
- What does a Grapefruit Cocktail taste like?
- Grapefruit Cocktail has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Grapefruit, Almond, Botanical. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Grapefruit Cocktail?
- Grapefruit Cocktail pairs well with Cheese, Chocolate, Citrus Based Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Grapefruit Cocktail?
- The Grapefruit Cocktail has an ABV of approximately 23.9%. That's approximately 1.20 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 168 calories, 9.5g sugar, 13.1g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Grapefruit Cocktail typically served?
- Grapefruit Cocktail is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Aperitif. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Grapefruit Cocktail?
- If you enjoy Grapefruit Cocktail, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Grapefruit Cocktail at home?
- Yes. The Grapefruit Cocktail uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Grapefruit Cocktail with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.