Rosemary Grapefruit Gin Tonic Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I’m always on the lookout for drinks that feel fresh and bright without a ton of fuss. This rosemary grapefruit gin tonic? It checks all the boxes.

You get crisp gin, tart grapefruit, and that unmistakable rosemary aroma—seriously, it’s a refreshing twist on the usual. Sure, it’s easy to make, but it definitely looks and tastes like you put in way more effort than you did.

Whenever I want something that feels balanced but not boring, I come back to this recipe. There’s the citrusy punch from grapefruit, a little herbal kick from rosemary, and tonic water to keep it light and bubbly.

Honestly, you could sip this on a sunny afternoon or serve it up for friends at a get-together. It just works.

No need for fancy gadgets or wild ingredients. A few quick steps and you’ve got a drink that’s both simple and, well, kind of impressive.

Rosemary Grapefruit Gin Tonic Cocktail Recipe

What I like about this drink is how the gin’s crispness meets the grapefruit’s tartness, all rounded out with that rosemary note. It’s refreshing, not too sweet, and the flavors actually play nice together.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I toss the grapefruit juice, gin, and syrup in here to mix.
• Jigger or measuring tool – Makes it easier to measure out the gin, juice, and syrup so nothing’s off.
• Muddler or spoon – Just a quick press on the rosemary to get those oils going.
• Strainer – Helps keep any ice or stray rosemary bits out of the glass.
• Highball glass – Tall is best for this one, gives you space for tonic and ice.
• Bar spoon – A gentle stir is all you need after adding the tonic.
• Citrus juicer – Fresh juice, always. It just tastes brighter.
• Ice cubes – Seriously, don’t skimp on the ice. Cold and crisp is the goal.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin (I’m partial to Bombay Sapphire—clean, classic flavor)
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice (ruby red grapefruit is my go-to for color and a hint of sweetness)
• 0.5 oz rosemary simple syrup (fresh rosemary, sugar, water—nothing fancy)
• 4 oz tonic water (pick a good one, it actually matters)
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (garnish just makes it pop)
• Grapefruit wedge or slice (totally optional, but looks nice)
• Ice cubes

Ruby red grapefruit, in my opinion, is less harsh than white grapefruit. The rosemary syrup’s gentle herbal sweetness really helps balance out the citrus bite.

And don’t forget—fresh tonic water is key. Flat tonic? It’ll ruin the whole vibe.

Instructions

• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add the gin, fresh grapefruit juice, and rosemary simple syrup.
• Shake it up for about 10–15 seconds, just until it’s nice and cold.
• Strain into a highball glass packed with fresh ice.
• Slowly top with tonic water—no one wants flat bubbles.
• Give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and maybe a grapefruit wedge if you’re feeling fancy.

I always add tonic at the end to keep things fizzy. Stirring too hard? Not a great idea—just a gentle mix is enough.

Notes

I usually stick with Bombay Sapphire, but honestly, any dry gin will work if you like a stronger botanical flavor. Not big on sweet? Just cut back on the rosemary syrup.

Making the syrup is simple—equal parts sugar and water, a few rosemary sprigs, simmer, then cool. It’ll keep in the fridge for about a week.

Fresh grapefruit juice is a must. I usually squeeze it right before mixing—bottled juice just doesn’t taste the same.

Want it lighter? Add more tonic. Craving a stronger kick? Bump up the gin a little.

Tasting Notes

Right from the first sip, there’s this crisp, light vibe—kind of reminds me of a classic gin and tonic, honestly. The grapefruit brings in a gentle tartness that hangs out with the herbal notes in a pretty balanced way.

It’s got that clean taste, you know? Makes it super easy to just kick back with on a hot afternoon.

The rosemary is interesting—there’s a subtle, piney kick to it. It doesn’t try to steal the show from the gin, but it definitely adds a fresh, earthy twist.

I think it makes the whole thing feel a little more complex, but never heavy or overwhelming.

The tonic water’s bubbles give it that lively sparkle. I really like how the citrus and herbs just sort of blend into the gin, and the finish is smooth—almost surprisingly so.

Feels like something I’d happily serve at a backyard get-together, especially if the sun’s out.

Flavor Highlights:

• Citrus: bright grapefruit with a mild tang
• Herbal: rosemary with a soft pine edge
• Base: classic gin cocktail character with tonic crispness

There’s this nice balance—sweet, bitter, herbal—all working together. Each sip changes things up a bit: sometimes it leans citrusy, other times the herbs step forward.

It keeps things interesting, honestly, and I never really get bored with it.