A refreshing spin on a classic martini. This grapefruit martini is made with grapefruit juice and Ketel One Grapefruit and Rose vodka.

Looking for a refreshing warm weather cocktail? This grapefruit martini is a perfect drink. It is full of citrus flavor, a touch of sweetness, and a bit of bitterness. It is a well-balanced cocktail.

What Is a Grapefruit Martini?

Martinis are one of the best-known alcoholic beverages. A classic martini is made with gin and vermouth. They usually contain a lemon or olive garnish as well. Vodka martinis are also quite popular. In this drink, the gin is substituted with vodka.

Since martinis essentially just contain alcohol, their flavor is not for everyone. Flavored martinis have increased in popularity as a more palatable cocktail option. This grapefruit martini is a delicious spin on the classic cocktail. It contains grapefruit juice, Ketel One Grapefruit and Rose vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup.

The result is a refreshing citrus cocktail. The grapefruit is bitter, but the simple syrup and lime juice add a touch of sweetness too. The result is a delicious and balanced martini.

Why I Chose a Flavored Vodka Instead of Gin

Martinis can contain either gin or vodka. My personal preference is vodka. For this recipe, I chose a botanical-infused vodka. It takes the cocktail to a whole other level. The Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose vodka has a unique flavor. It is smooth and citrusy with a strong floral finish. The flavors of the vodka complement the grapefruit juice beautifully.

Ingredients for a Grapefruit Martini

Grapefruit Juice – This recipe uses bottled grapefruit juice. So it is sweeter than fresh grapefruit juice. You could use fresh juice if you prefer. Personally, I like the sweeter version.
Ketel One Grapefruit and Rose Vodka – This botanical vodka enhances the flavor of the cocktail. It has a lovely grapefruit flavor. And the floral notes from the rose add a fun flavor. You could use regular vodka, but this is preferable.
Triple Sec – This orange liquor enhances the citrus flavor of the cocktail. And adds a touch of sweetness. You may substitute triple sec for Cointreau or any other orange liquor.
Lime Juice – Another splash of citrus to balance the cocktail.
Simple Syrup – Even with sweetened grapefruit juice and triple sec, the cocktail was a tad too bitter for me. A small amount of syrup cuts the bitterness. This makes the drink smoother and more sippable.

Homemade Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is one of the best ingredients for adding sweetness to a cocktail. Plus, it’s incredibly SIMPLE to make! See what I did there? Here’s how you do it!

Add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a small saucepan.
Heat the saucepan on medium-low heat. It does not need to boil!
Continuously stir the water-sugar mixture until all of the sugar dissolves.
Pour into a glass jar.
Allow the syrup to cool. Then, place it in the refrigerator.

A homemade simple syrup lasts for about 6 months in the refrigerator. If it starts to appear cloudy, toss it out and make another batch!

How to Make A Grapefruit Martini

In a cocktail shaker, combine grapefruit juice, grapefruit and rose vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add a handful of ice to the shaker. Then firmly place the lid on the cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds to combine the cocktail ingredients and chill them.

Strain the cocktail into a martini glass or coupe glass. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit on the rim of the glass. Or let a small slice float on top of the cocktail.

What Type of Glass Do I Use?

Martini glass – Martini glasses have a large bowl. This allows the cocktail to “breathe.” A cocktail breathing means that the alcohol is dispersed more evenly in the cocktail. The stem is important because it allows the martini to stay cold. It would warm quickly if you touched the glass since it doesn’t contain ice.
Coupe glass – Coupe glasses are similar to martini glasses. They have a large mouth and a stem. The large mouth of the glass allows you to take in the scents of the cocktail as you drink. Smelling a cocktail as you drink it changes the flavor profile.

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Can I Make This Cocktail in Advance?

Yes! Grapefruit martinis may absolutely be made in advance. Combine all of the ingredients, without ice, and store in an airtight jar or glass bottle until time to serve. You may store this cocktail in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just keep in time, the flavor profile may change a bit the longer you store it!

Make This Martini in Bulk

Since this cocktail stores so nicely, it’s also a great cocktail to make in bulk. Simply multiply the ingredients for one drink by the number of guests you wish to serve. Combine all of the ingredients, without ice, in a large pitcher and store in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve.

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