A recipe for a refreshing, bright, and delicious cocktail (or mocktail) using red grapefruit, fresh basil and a fizzy grapefruit soda. This Grapefruit Basil Vodka Smash is the perfect drink for a hot summer evening.
I love mixing new drinks and I especially love drinks that incorporate fresh fruit, because they are well, so fresh and fruity, not very original, but there’s my reason! Speaking of new drinks, try this fresh Cherry Bomb or this amazing all natural Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini!
Last week I wanted to make a cocktail using our grapefruit infused vodka, there was only one problem, we were out of infused vodka! But, I had a grapefruit…and fresh basil…and a yummy grapefruit soda mixer…voila the Grapefruit Basil Vodka Smash was created! I’m sure it’s not unique, but it was for us and it was DELICIOUS!
Start with 2-3 sections of grapefruit, I used red grapefruit, just make sure it’s nice and juicy. Trim away all pith (white, bitter sections), chop into chunks and toss into your glass.
Using a muddler (I love that word) gently press the juice of the grapefruit, smashing it gently. Add a little basil if desired and gently muddle that as well. You don’t want to smash them to smithereens, just enough to release their fragrance and flavors.
Pour in your vodka, I love my mini measuring cup! Use your favorite vodka!
Add ice to your glass, filling it up, then pour on your favorite Grapefruit mixer, soda or Club Soda.
What Other Mixers Can I Use?
- Try Q Grapefruit, which is delicious, like a healthier version of Fresca.
- I’ve also used Virgil’s No Sugar Lemon-Lime, also delicious
- Give any Grapefruit or Citrus Sparkling Water a try for an even lighter and dryer cocktail
- Plain soda water or even a delicious crisp tonic would be delicious with this cocktail!
Can I Make Grapefruit Basil Smash into a Mocktail?
You can easily make a grapefruit basil smash non-alcoholic as well, just omit the vodka, add a bit more grapefruit and soda and you have a light, so very refreshing summer drink!
Garnish, if desired with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of fresh basil. And when you take a sip of this drink your senses will come alive with the beautiful combination of basil and grapefruit and the bubbles just might tickle your nose! It’s a party in a glass!
If omitting the vodka, just add a bit more grapefruit and soda of choice. A light, refreshing, summery drink!
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Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ Ruby Red Grapefruit or other ripe, sweet grapefruit, cut in eighths, trimmed of pith
- 1-2 sprigs fresh basil washed, divided
- 1-1.5 oz vodka omit for mocktail
- 6.7 oz grapefruit soda One bottle or can. I used Q Grapefruit
- ice
- wedge of grapefruit for garnish
- basil sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Cut your grapefruit roughly into eighths. Trim two sections off the rind and trim any extra pith (white stuff) and chop into small cubes. Place 2 sections (cubed) into glass and using muddler gently press until you have smashed the grapefruit and released the juices.
- Add basil and gently muddle if desired. Pour in vodka (omit for mocktail). Fill glass with ice, then pour grapefruit soda, club soda or lemon-lime drink to fill. Gently stir. Garnish with slice of grapefruit and a sprig of fresh basil.
Notes
Any juicy grapefruit will work, or try an orange, or blood orange.
If you cannot find Q Grapefruit soda, try using Tonic Water, Club Soda, Lemon-Lime Soda, Sparkling Water or your favorite Grapefruit soda. You can also try using thyme, mint, or rosemary in place of the basil.
Nutrition
Deb Clark
My new fav cocktail!!