Grapefruit Gin Collins Cocktail Recipe

ByJohn

When I’m craving something bright and refreshing, I usually end up making a Grapefruit Gin Collins. This cocktail blends gin, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and soda water for a crisp, citrusy vibe.

It’s a breeze to put together, honestly, and just as good for a party as it is for some quiet downtime at home. The tartness of grapefruit seems to play so well with the botanicals in gin—kind of a perfect match.

The soda water keeps things light and lively. Simple syrup brings just enough sweetness to round everything out.

If you’re into easy, tasty cocktails, this one deserves a spot on your list. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, at least in my experience.

Grapefruit Gin Collins Cocktail Recipe

Grapefruit Gin Collins Cocktail Recipe

Grapefruit Gin Collins Cocktail Recipe
I like to use fresh juice, classic gin, and a few basic tools for this drink. The ingredients are easy to find, and it takes maybe five minutes, tops, to throw together.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • First, I fill my cocktail shaker with ice. Then, in goes the gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  • I shake it hard—about 15 seconds—so everything’s chilled and mixed. Next, I strain the mix into a highball glass packed with fresh ice.
  • Now I top it off with club soda, pouring gently so I don’t lose all the fizz. A quick, gentle stir with a bar spoon just brings it together.
  • Finally, I pop a slice of grapefruit or lemon on top for garnish. And that’s it—the drink’s ready.

Notes

I usually tweak the sweetness, depending on how tart the grapefruit is that day. Sometimes I’ll add a splash more grapefruit or lemon juice if I want a bigger citrus kick.
For a lighter version, I’ll use diet club soda and cut back on the simple syrup. If I can’t find fresh grapefruit, bottled juice will work in a pinch, though the flavor’s a little softer.
I like to serve this right after mixing to keep it extra bubbly and cold. Swapping out the gin can change the flavor in subtle ways, so I play around with different brands now and then.

Tasting Notes

The first thing I pick up is this fresh, bright aroma—grapefruit leads, but there’s a whiff of pine from the gin, too. There’s a bit of citrus zest in there that really invites you in.

The flavor hits crisp. Grapefruit brings a gentle bitterness, balanced out by the lemon’s tang and the syrup’s sweetness. The gin’s herbal notes are there, but nothing overpowering—just a good blend with the fruit.

Texture and Mouthfeel:

  • Light and bubbly
  • Smooth with a gentle fizz
  • No syrupy or sticky feeling

The finish is clean. My mouth feels refreshed, and none of the flavors hang around too long.

Must Have Ingredients

Substitute

Sometimes I want to make a Grapefruit Gin Collins, but I just don’t have all the ingredients on hand. There are easy swaps I use that don’t change the drink too much, though—at least not in a bad way.

Gin:
If I run out of gin, I’ll grab vodka for a lighter taste. I’ve even tried tequila once or twice for a totally different twist, and honestly, it’s not half bad.

Grapefruit Juice:
No grapefruit juice? I’ll go for fresh orange or lemon juice. These keep the drink tart, but yeah, the flavor shifts a bit.

Simple Syrup:
Sometimes I use honey syrup or agave instead of simple syrup. Both dissolve well and sweeten the drink, so it’s not a big deal.

If I don’t have club soda, I’ll just use sparkling water. Both give the cocktail fizz, but sparkling water is a bit less salty and honestly, I kind of prefer it.

For a sugar-free version, I’ll use a calorie-free sweetener in place of regular syrup. It helps cut down on sugar without losing the taste, at least for me.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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