I can't be the only one out there with a weakness for cocktails made with fresh herbs and seasonal fruit. Am I right, or am I right? Clearly, I'm right, so it feels like the perfect time to share this rosemary-grapefruit vodka spritzer now that those ruby citrus jewels are in season.
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Along with its citrusy, savory kick, this rosemary-grapefruit vodka spritzer isn't too bad for your waist line. Here at Burrata and Bubbles, I don't like to worry about calories. I focus on company-worthy recipes. That might mean a little extra butter here, or a big heap of cheese there --- more of your weekend indulgences if you will. But this time of year is different.
Now that the holidays are gone --- tear --- everyone is ready for clean eating. And I get it. I certainly indulge over the holidays each year and look forward to getting back on track. You can only eat so many cookies and put back so many beers and glasses of wine before you start feeling fluffy.
That said, sometimes you just need a cocktail even when you're trying to reign in those indulgences. You work too hard during the week to not allow yourself a Friday treat, and this rosemary-grapefruit vodka spritzer is perfect for the occasion. For this cocktail, I skipped the simple syrup and let the rosemary and grapefruit shine for a delicious, fresh-tasting vodka spritzer that's also low in calories.
Normally, I love a touch of simple syrup in my cocktails, but I thought, hey, it's the new year. Why don't you change it up and see how it goes? I can be a creature of habit, so skipping that beloved cocktail ingredient wasn't easy. You know what, though? I still loved the cocktail and didn't miss the simple syrup.
Related: If you love this drink, you'll also adore this elderflower spritz and blackberry-cucumber spritzer!
How to Make Rosemary-Grapefruit Vodka Spritzer
Now that you're sold on this light and tasty rosemary-grapefruit vodka spritzer, let's chat about how ridiculously easy it is to make this cocktail.
We start by muddling fresh rosemary with grapefruit juice, vodka and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. I like using a muddler, and if you don't have one, I included a link below. You could also use the flat end of a large spoon or kitchen utensil, but a muddler is easier to grip. Plus, using a muddler makes you like a pro if you're making this spritzer in front of friends, and a muddler is plenty affordable. To me, it's worth the small investment, especially if you love your cocktails.
Now we add a handful of ice, pop on the top and shake for a good 15 seconds. From here, we strain into an ice-filled glass and top with a grapefruit-flavored sparkling water. I used La Croix Pamplemousse, but there are lots of other tasty grapefruit-flavored sparkling waters out there. You could also top with club soda or another type of sparkling water, but I enjoy the extra grapefruit punch.
With our cocktail ready, we garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and sip the night away with your favorite people for good measure.
Perfect Pairing for Rosemary-Grapefruit Vodka Spritzer
This light, citrusy cocktail calls for a plate of seared scallops. Obviously, seafood is a natural pairing for citrus-forward beverages, and scallops are delicious with grapefruit. Considering the delicate nature of scallops, I love how this cocktail is light enough that it doesn’t overwhelm the scallops, and the spirtzy quality offers a nice balance to the scallops’ buttery texture.
Whether you’re looking for a light cocktail or simply craving something citrusy, bubbly and delicious, I hope you try this rosemary-grapefruit vodka spritzer.
Cheers!
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📖 Recipe
Rosemary-Grapefruit Vodka Spritzer
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Jigger or small measuring cup
Ingredients
- ½ lime juiced
- 4 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 2 ounces vodka
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs plus an additional for garnish if desired
- Ice
- Splash of grapefruit-flavored sparkling water
Instructions
- Pour lime juice, grapefruit juice and vodka into a cocktail shaker. Add the rosemary sprigs and muddle by pressing down and twisting a muddler on top of the rosemary. Muddle about eight or 10 times.
- Add ice to the cocktail shaker and pop on the top. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into ice-filled glasses. Top with grapefruit-flavored sparkling water. Garnish with an additional rosemary sprig if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- This cocktail was designed to be a "healthier" cocktail with no added sugar. However, if you want to add a touch of sweetness, you can add 1 ounce simple syrup. While I love grapefruit juice, I realize it might be too bitter for some palates.
- You can substitute club soda or your favorite type of sparkling water if you don't have a grapefruit-flavored water.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Mirlene says
Yesssssss! Love it. A pretty drink, only 185 calories, easy to make for a small party or enjoy by yourself. Bright in color. I mean, this drink just screams everything. Trying SOON!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Yes! Hope you love it.
April says
I think you aright although you may be... right! 🙂 I don't think there can be a better cocktail than the one with herbs and seasonal fruit. So yummy!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
What can I say? It’s true!
Linda says
This sounds so refreshing and I love the addition of grapefruit here. And this will be my excuse to extend the holiday mood as long as I can.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Haha, I like how you think. ?
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
Grapefruit is my favorite citrus and I love this drink. Using grapefruit sparkling water with the fresh juice is a fantastic idea!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thank you! It really does add a nice touch.
Jori says
I love your drinks! They always look so festive and fresh.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Awww, thank you so much! ?
Jacqueline Debono says
The flavours in this cocktail are so refreshing. I think it would be a perfect Sunday lunchtime drink, especially, as you say, if eating scallops or other seafood!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
For sure! I always love a good Saturday lunchtime cocktail. ?
Carmen Berry says
I love this! One of my go-to infused water combinations is grapefruit and rosemary. Can’t wait to try it in a cocktail! Yum!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I love infusing my water, so I’ll have to give that a try!
Candiss says
I love any cocktail with citrus and this sounds like such a refreshing option for grapefruit season!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It most definitely is!
Kelly Anthony says
This rosemary grapefruit vodka spritzer sounds so refreshing. I'm going to make these this weekend for our dinner party!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Yay! Hope everyone loved it.
Lathiya says
The drink looks so great..I loved the flavors rosemary and grapefruit... I would like to try non alcoholic version of this drink
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I’m sure it’d be great and super refreshing!
Gloria says
With the cold weather we are having right now, this drink sounds like the tropics. Perfect to have in the afternoon, or at brunch. I bet the guests would love it.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
For sure! I always like a good drink that makes me think of tropical weather during the winter.
Stine Mari says
I made a very similar drink the other day and it was amazing! There is something special about the rosemary and grapefruit mix. This looks fabulous, and I love your way of defending this cocktail for the new year! Yes, I'd definitely devour this, let it be December or January or July. It looks divine!
Jere Cassidy says
Right now my grapefruit tree is full of ripe grapefruits and I can't think of much to do with them. I do juice them frequently but now I have a recipe for a fun drink.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Ahhh, I'm so jealous you have a grapefruit tree! That sounds amazing.
Danielle Wolter says
Now this sounds like an awesome drink! I don't drink, but I'm sure this would be awesome sans alcohol. Love grapefruit and the rosemary is a nice touch 🙂
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thank you! You could definitely turn it into a lovely mocktail.
Jeannette (Jay Joy) says
I love grapefruit and this drink sounds very refreshing. I wonder how this will taste virgin? I like to make virgin fancy drinks for my daughter and her tween friends on sleepovers. They feel fancy lol
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Aww, that's so cute! I bet it'd still be great. With the grapefruit and lime, the vodka isn't overwhelming, so I think you could just give it an extra splash of sparkling water.