This grapefruit gimlet is a refreshing twist on the classic gin gimlet, using grapefruit juice and grapefruit cordial for a cocktail that’s tart, a little sweet, and full of citrus flavor.
About this grapefruit gimlet
The classic gimlet uses lime cordial, but this version swaps it out for grapefruit, and I think it works beautifully. You get that same balance of spirit, citrus, and sweetness, but with the slightly bitter, more complex flavor that grapefruit brings.
What makes this different from a greyhound cocktail which is also grapefruit and gin, is the method and the ratio. A greyhound is a long, casual drink built in the glass with lots of juice. This gimlet is shaken, strained, and served up in a coupe. It’s more concentrated and more spirit-forward, with the grapefruit cordial adding a sweetness that you don’t get in a greyhound. They share the same core ingredients but taste like different drinks.
I use grapefruit cordial here because it doubles down on the grapefruit flavor and adds body. If you don’t have grapefruit cordial, simple syrup works well too. The fresh grapefruit juice still carries the flavor, the cordial just gives it an extra layer. You could also try a flavored syrup like thyme or rosemary for something a little different.
Key ingredients and why
- London Dry Gin: A good London Dry where the juniper comes through. This is a 1:1 ratio of gin to juice, so the gin plays a big role in the flavor. Nothing too fancy, just something with clean, balanced botanicals.
- Fresh grapefruit juice: Ruby red grapefruit is my go-to. It’s sweeter and more well-rounded than yellow or white grapefruit, and gives the cocktail a gorgeous pink color. Always use fresh-squeezed if you can.
- Grapefruit cordial (or simple syrup): The cordial brings even more grapefruit flavor along with sweetness. If you don’t have grapefruit cordial, simple syrup works well, or try a flavored syrup like sage or thyme for a herbal twist.
Method
- Combine the gin, fresh grapefruit juice, grapefruit cordial, and ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass or rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Tips
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If you love this grapefruit gimlet, try some of these cocktails next:
- Greyhound cocktail – gin and grapefruit, long and refreshing over ice
- Salty dog cocktail – gin and grapefruit with a salt rim
- Ginger gimlet – a gimlet with ginger syrup
- Ginger beer paloma – tequila and grapefruit with bubbly ginger beer
Grapefruit Gimlet
Ingredients
- 2 oz london dry gin
- 2 oz ruby red grapefruit juice freshly squeezed preferable
- 1/2 oz grapefruit cordial or simple syrup
- Ice
- Grapefruit slice to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a couple glass with ice to chill it.
- Combine the gin, fresh grapefruit juice, grapefruit cordial, and ice cubes in a cocktail shaker.
- Ensure the lid is securely fastened, and shake the mixture vigorously to chill the drink.
- Discard the ice from the coupe glass and strain the Grapefruit Gimlet into the chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Notes
- Both US customary and metric measurements are provided.
- Grapefruit cordial doubles down on the grapefruit flavor and adds body. If you don’t have it, simple syrup is a good substitute.
- Flavored syrups like thyme, rosemary, or sage work nicely here too.
- Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for the best flavor. Ruby red grapefruit is sweeter and gives a beautiful pink color.
- Swap gin for vodka for a grapefruit vodka gimlet.
- Try swapping the grapefruit cordial for lime cordial for a drink that’s closer to a classic gimlet with a grapefruit twist.
