Looking for a refreshing twist on classic cocktails? This elegant Grapefruit Thyme Tonic combines tangy citrus, aromatic herbs, and bubbly tonic water for a bright and sophisticated drink.
The recipe takes just 5 minutes to make and needs only 4 simple ingredients: fresh grapefruit juice, thyme sprigs, gin, and tonic water.
The sweet-tart grapefruit pairs perfectly with earthy thyme and crisp gin. The tonic water adds effervescence and a subtle bitterness that balances the citrus.
This cocktail works well for both casual happy hours and special occasions.
Guests will love watching the fresh thyme sprig float among the bubbles as the drink’s pink hue catches the light. The recipe can be made alcohol-free by skipping the gin and adding extra tonic water instead.
Grapefruit Thyme Tonic Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Muddler
- Collins glass
- Citrus juicer
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 3-4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 4 oz tonic water
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit wedge for garnish
- Extra thyme sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Strip leaves from 3-4 thyme sprigs and place them in the cocktail shaker.
- Add simple syrup and gently muddle the thyme leaves to release their oils.
- Pour in the gin and fresh grapefruit juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Double-strain the mixture into the glass through both strainers.
- Top with tonic water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and fresh thyme sprig.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Grapefruit Thyme Tonic Cocktail combines sweet, sour, and herbal flavors in each sip. The pink grapefruit juice adds a bright citrus tang that’s both refreshing and zesty.
Fresh thyme brings an earthy, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with the citrus. Its gentle herbal essence creates depth without being too strong.
The tonic water adds a light bitterness and pleasant fizz. Its bubbles lift the drink and make it sparkle on the tongue.
Main Flavor Notes:
- Citrus: Tart and bright from fresh grapefruit
- Herbal: Light thyme notes
- Bitter: Subtle quinine from tonic
- Sweet: Balanced natural citrus sweetness
The drink starts crisp and citrusy, then moves to gentle herbal notes. The finish is clean with a slight bitter edge from the tonic water.
Substitute
No grapefruit? No problem. You can swap grapefruit juice with pink lemonade or pomelo juice. These options keep the tart citrus taste that makes this drink special.
Fresh thyme can be replaced with dried thyme. Use 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme for every sprig of fresh thyme. Other herbs like rosemary or sage work well too.
The tonic water is key for the fizz, but club soda or sparkling water make good stand-ins. Each will change the taste a bit, but they’ll keep the bubbles.
Non-alcoholic version: Skip the gin and double the tonic water. The drink stays refreshing and complex without the alcohol.
Quick swaps list:
- Grapefruit juice → Pink lemonade or pomelo juice
- Fresh thyme → Dried thyme, rosemary, or sage
- Tonic water → Club soda or sparkling water
- Gin → Extra tonic water (for non-alcoholic)
The amounts stay the same when making these swaps. Just pick what works best with what you have on hand.
