Grapefruit Cocktails

Grapefruit.  It’s never been my thing.

When I was young I would watch my mom eat grapefruits all the time.  Whenever she offered me a bite, I’d hesitantly say yes even though I knew exactly what my reaction would be.

Grapefruit.  It was a grown up thing.  Totally ick.

Fast forward to now…  I can’t get enough of the stuff.  Mom really does know best.  But I added one thing.  Booze.

Let’s begin.

There’s a certain person that knows a thing or two about grapefruits.  (That’s mom.)

There’s a certain food blogger who knows a thing or two about turning grapefruit juice into delicious cocktails. (That’s Top With Cinnamon.)

And there’s a certain someone who knows a thing or two about drinking refreshing and delicious cocktails on summer afternoons during a picnic. (That’s you.)

Summer is here and light cocktails are in order.  This recipe.  It’s a perfect ten.  Light and refreshingly tart.  And it tastes like alcohol.

See?  We’re total grown ups.

Grapefruit Cocktails

(yields 2-4 servings)

adapted from Top With Cinnamon

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups freshly squeezed grapefruit

1 cup water

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice

4-6 fl oz vodka

ice

rind of half a grapefruit, sliced into strips

PREPARATION:

Combine grapefruit juice, water, and sugar together in a small saucepan.  Cook over a high heat, stirring just until the sugar has dissolved.  Bring to the boil then turn down the heat and leave to simmer for a few minutes.

Transfer to heat-safe jar and store in the fridge until needed.  When ready, remove cocktail glasses and add ice to each.

Place the grapefruit juice and vodka and grapefruit juice into a cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds.  Evenly pour the mixture over cocktail glasses with ice.

Garnish with the grapefruit zest and serve immediately.