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. Last week I wanted to make a Deep Eddy’s Grapefruit vodka drink, there was only one problem, we were out of the infused vodka. But I had a grapefruit…and fresh basil…and a yummy grapefruit soda mixer…viola the Grapefruit Basil Vodka Smash was created! I’m sure it’s not unique, but it was for us and it was DELICIOUS!

PIN NOW | MAKE it TONIGHT

You can easily make this non-alcoholic as well, just omit the vodka!

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 [amazon_textlink asin=’B07B54PBZD’ text=’muddler’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thefreshcoo0a-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’738f269d-7a6f-11e8-b1b6-11190ce60873′] (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 smitherine’s just enough to release their fragrance and flavors.

Pour in your vodka, I love my little [amazon_textlink asin=’B00B6LUAPW’ text=’Oxo measuring cup’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thefreshcoo0a-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ba6c9ded-7a76-11e8-919e-9b78a9ba4e2a’]! I like Tito’s brand but use your favorite.

Add ice to your glass, filling it up, then pour on your favorite Grapefruit mixer, soda or Club Soda. I used [amazon_textlink asin=’B072R4B8B2′ text=’Q Grapefruit’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’thefreshcoo0a-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’40d77d4c-7a70-11e8-a211-e1ff00daf752′] which is delicious all by itself, like a healthier version of Fresca. I’ve also used Virgil’s No Sugar Lemon-Lime, also delicious! P.S.

Garnish, if desired (as always) with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of basil, the smells are quite amazing.

If omitting the vodka, just add a bit more grapefruit and the soda of choice. A light, refreshing, summery drink!

This recipe when it includes vodka is intended for those 21 and older, please drink responsibly.

If you enjoy this cocktail, give these others a try as well!

Mint Julep
Blood Orange and Tangerine Gin & Tonic
Blackberry Bourbon Moscow Mule

If you try this recipe, please comment below and be sure to tag @thefreshcooky on Instagram and hashtag #thefreshcooky.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links, which does not mean you pay a penny more when purchasing through my link. It means that in helping you easily find some of my favorite products, I receive a small commission if you purchase. {P.S. I only share products I truly love & use!}

Grapefruit Basil Vodka Smash

Author: The Fresh Cooky
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Yield: 1 drink 1x
Category: Cocktail

Description

A recipe for a refreshing, brightly colored, delicious cocktail (or mocktail) using red grapefruit, fresh basil and a grapefruit soda. This Grapefruit Basil Vodka Smash is the perfect drink for a hot summer evening.

Scale

Ingredients

1 Ruby Red Grapefruit (or other ripe, sweet grapefruit), cut in eighths, trimmed of pith
1–2 sprigs of fresh basil (washed, divided)
1–1.5 oz of vodka (omit for mocktail)
1 single serving bottle or can of Grapefruit Soda (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)
Add ice to fill up glass, then pour your grapefruit soda, club soda or lemon-lime drink to fill.
Gently stir. Garnish with slice of grapefruit and a sprig of fresh basil.

Notes

SUBSTITUTES
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 or your favorite Grapefruit soda.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? I’d love to hear how it turned out, leave a comment below and share a picture of it on Instagram with the hashtag #thefreshcooky.

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