Grapefruit vodka sunrise cocktails add a fresh twist to the classic tequila sunrise. This bright and citrusy drink combines sweet and tart flavors that work well for brunch or happy hour.
The recipe needs just four ingredients: grapefruit vodka, orange juice, grenadine syrup, and ice.
The drink’s eye-catching layers create a beautiful sunset effect in the glass. The red grenadine sinks to the bottom while the orange and grapefruit notes float on top, making it perfect for photos and special events.
This drink takes less than two minutes to make and requires no special tools or skills. Its mix of sweet and sour tastes makes it a crowd favorite at parties, and guests can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less grenadine.
Grapefruit Vodka Sunrise Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Tall cocktail glass (12-14 oz)
- Cocktail spoon
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Ice bucket
- Citrus juicer
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit slice for garnish
- Optional: Fresh mint sprig
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the vodka into the glass.
- Add the fresh grapefruit juice and stir gently with a cocktail spoon.
- Slowly pour the grenadine around the inside edge of the glass. It will sink to the bottom, creating a sunset effect.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice and optional mint sprig.
- Do not stir after adding the grenadine, as this will disrupt the layered effect.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Grapefruit Vodka Sunrise offers bright citrus flavors with a sweet-tart balance. The fresh grapefruit juice brings a natural bitterness that blends with the clean taste of vodka.
A subtle sweetness from grenadine adds depth and creates the signature sunrise effect. The drink starts with rich red at the bottom that fades into pink and orange hues at the top.
The cocktail has a refreshing and crisp mouthfeel. Ice keeps it perfectly chilled while allowing the flavors to meld together.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Tart grapefruit
- Sweet pomegranate
- Clean vodka finish
- Light citrus zest
The aroma combines fresh citrus with light floral notes. Each sip reveals layers of flavor – starting with grapefruit, moving to sweet grenadine, and ending with smooth vodka.
The drink maintains its visual appeal throughout consumption as the colors stay separated. The taste remains consistent from first sip to last.
Substitute
You can swap grapefruit vodka with plain vodka and grapefruit juice.
Mix 1 ounce vodka with 1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice to replace 2 ounces of grapefruit vodka.
For a non-alcoholic version, mix grapefruit juice with orange juice and grenadine.
Add a splash of soda water for fizz.
Replace grenadine with pomegranate juice or raspberry syrup.
These options give the same red color and sweet taste.
Fresh-squeezed orange juice works best, but store-bought juice can work too.
Choose pulp-free juice for a smoother drink.
Other spirit options:
- Gin + grapefruit juice
- Tequila + grapefruit juice
- White rum + grapefruit juice
For extra flavor, add a splash of:
- Cranberry juice
- Pineapple juice
- Lime juice
- Blood orange juice
The drink needs something sweet and something tart to keep the classic sunrise taste. Make sure substitutes include both elements.
