Warm spring days call for refreshing drinks that blend bright citrus with aromatic herbs.
This Grapefruit Rosemary Vodka Cocktail combines sweet-tart grapefruit juice, fresh rosemary, and smooth vodka for a perfect seasonal sipper.
The recipe takes just 5 minutes to make and needs only 4 main ingredients: vodka, fresh grapefruit juice, rosemary simple syrup, and club soda.
This light, citrusy cocktail fits well at garden parties or casual weekend gatherings.
The rosemary adds an elegant touch and sets this drink apart from basic vodka cocktails.
Its pine-like notes complement the grapefruit’s natural flavors, while bubbles from the club soda add pleasant effervescence.
Grapefruit Rosemary Vodka Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Citrus juicer
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Rocks glass
- Ice cube tray
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 oz premium vodka
- 3 oz fresh-squeezed pink grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit wedge for garnish
For rosemary simple syrup (optional):
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Fill the rocks glass with ice.
- Set it aside.
- Add vodka, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup to the cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Double strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass using both strainers.
- Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and grapefruit wedge.
For rosemary simple syrup:
- Mix water and sugar in a small pot.
- Add rosemary sprigs and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Let cool completely and strain.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
This cocktail greets the nose with bright citrus from fresh grapefruit and woody notes of fresh rosemary.
The aroma previews the flavors to come.
The first sip gives a crisp vodka base with tart grapefruit juice.
Rosemary adds herbal complexity and balances the citrus.
A light sweetness from simple syrup softens the grapefruit’s bitterness.
The drink stays refreshing from start to finish.
The texture is smooth and medium-bodied.
Tiny bubbles from soda water lift the flavors.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Primary: Fresh grapefruit, rosemary
- Secondary: Clean vodka, subtle sweetness
- Finish: Herbaceous, citrusy, slightly dry
The finish is clean and bright, with lingering hints of rosemary and grapefruit zest.
Serve this drink very cold with fresh ice for best results.
The cold temperature highlights the crisp citrus and herbal flavors.
Substitute
You can make different versions of this drink with other ingredients. The most common swap is gin for vodka.
Gin adds extra herbal notes that match well with rosemary.
Replace grapefruit juice with other citrus juices like orange or blood orange. These changes create unique flavor combinations.
For a non-alcoholic version, use grapefruit-flavored sparkling water instead of vodka. Mix it with regular grapefruit juice and add the rosemary garnish.
Fresh rosemary works best. If needed, use 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary for each sprig of fresh rosemary in the recipe.
Alternative Sweeteners:
- Honey simple syrup
- Agave nectar
- Maple syrup
- Sugar-free simple syrup
Skip the rosemary garnish and use a grapefruit wedge or twist instead. This change keeps the citrus theme and makes the drink easier to prepare.
