I love simple, refreshing drinks, especially when the weather gets warm. A Pink Grapefruit Soda Cocktail is a crisp, tangy option that’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
The balance of sweet and sour flavors makes this cocktail a favorite for relaxing afternoons or small gatherings. When I want to impress friends without too much fuss, this recipe always works.
The bright color and bubbly texture make it look festive. The taste stays light and smooth.
If you’re looking for something new to serve, you’ll find this drink both easy to prepare and satisfying to sip. It’s honestly hard to go wrong here.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix and chill the ingredients quickly.
- Jigger or measuring spoon: This helps me get the amounts just right.
- Highball glass or Collins glass: I prefer a tall, clear glass so I can see the cocktail’s color and bubbles.
- Bar spoon: I use it to gently stir at the end.
- Strainer (optional): If the shaker doesn’t have a built-in strainer, I use a mesh strainer to remove ice and pulp.
- Citrus juicer: To get fresh juice from the grapefruit.
- Knife and cutting board: Needed for slicing grapefruit and preparing garnishes.
- Ice: Enough to fill the shaker and glass.
Ingredients
- 2 oz 60 ml vodka
- 3 oz 90 ml pink grapefruit juice (fresh is best, but store-bought is fine)
- 2 oz 60 ml grapefruit soda
- 0.5 oz 15 ml simple syrup (optional, for more sweetness)
- Fresh ice for shaking and serving
- Grapefruit wedge or slice for garnish
- Mint sprig optional garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with a generous amount of ice.
- Pour in the vodka and pink grapefruit juice.
- Add simple syrup if I prefer my drink a little sweeter.
- Shake briskly for about 15 seconds so all the ingredients mix well and chill.
- Strain the mixture into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with grapefruit soda and give it a gentle stir with the bar spoon to combine.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or slice, and add a mint sprig if I want extra aroma.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
When I take my first sip, I notice the bright, citrus taste of pink grapefruit. There’s a balance between sweet and tart that stands out right away.
The bubbles from the soda give the drink a light, refreshing feeling on my tongue. I find it crisp and easy to drink, especially on a warm day.
I also pick up a gentle bitterness from the grapefruit. This helps keep the drink from tasting too sweet.
Here’s what I taste in each sip:
- Main flavor:Â Pink grapefruit
- Texture:Â Fizzy, light, and smooth
- Sweetness:Â Mild but not overwhelming
- Aftertaste:Â Subtle, clean citrus with a hint of tang
If I use fresh herbs or add a lime wedge, I notice a slight herbal or zesty note. This adds more depth to the flavors without covering up the grapefruit.
Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have every single ingredient for a Pink Grapefruit Soda Cocktail. It happens! When that’s the case, I try out a few quick swaps so I can still enjoy something close.
Possible Substitutes:
- If I run out of pink grapefruit soda, I’ll grab lemon-lime soda and splash in some grapefruit juice. Not exactly the same, but it’s pretty tasty.
- No grapefruit juice? I just use orange juice instead. It’s a bit sweeter, but honestly, that can be nice.
- For a non-alcoholic version, I skip the liquor and just add extra soda or juice. Simple enough.
Equipment
- Measuring cup
- Spoon
- Glass
Ingredients
- Soda substitute (like lemon-lime soda)
- Juice substitute (like orange juice)
- Liquor of choice or none for a mocktail
- Ice
Instructions
- Pour the juice and soda into a glass with ice.
- Add liquor if you’re using it, then give it a good stir.
- Taste it and tweak with more juice or soda if you want. Go with what tastes right to you.