Amazing Sparkling Grapefruit Mocktail Recipe

This grapefruit mocktail recipe was first published on January 26, 2023.

I am not a huge drinker if you can even say I drink. Usually, it happens a couple of times a year. But I can’t turn down a tasty mocktail. And this delicious sparkling grapefruit mocktail recipe is one you won’t turn down either! I mean, can you even resist it and try not to grab it through the screen? Yeah, I didn’t think so! And, just in time to assist any of you working your way through Dry January, as well! Say we don’t think of it all!

I used to be more of a social drinker and mostly had my usual glass of white wine. Or my favourite spirits, but that’s where the horizon downed on my drink choices. So why share a mocktail? I want to get out of my comfort zone this year with the blog and start sharing something different. And get my hands dirty in the kitchen, or bar in this case!

Anyway, going back to the main event of this post. This grapefruit mocktail is so delicious and so versatile. It’s a recipe that can easily be adapted depending on who you are making it for. It can easily become a cocktail too just by adding your favourite liquor of choice. Or if you have a large group of guests it can easily be made in big batches. But in any case, this non alcoholic drink is one that will be delicious in any form!

Before we dive into the grapefruit mocktail, let’s check out what this easy mocktail recipe is made of and learn more about mocktails.

What is a mocktail?

Essentially, a mocktail is the non-alcoholic version of a cocktail. Trying still to keep the same complexity in flavour and balance what you would have with a cocktail recipe. The main ingredients are usually sodas, juices, herbs and syrups, which are used as a base to create the perfect mocktail.

They are now quite the trend as you can keep a flavourful drink free of alcohol without losing anything important! You will find the most famous drinks made into mocktails nowadays. As well as finding pillars of the mocktail bars coming back to trend like the Shirley Temple. Mostly during dry January, you will see a peak in recipes around bars and restaurants too. But they don’t have to be restricted just to a month a year. If you are off the alcohol for whatever reason, why not have options?

What goes in this sparkling grapefruit mocktail recipe?

All the ingredients for this refreshing drink recipe are easy to find. The star of the show is, of course, the freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Which can easily be found at any shop in case it’s not in season like now, it’s easy to find squeezed grapefruit juice on the shelves. Next up there’s fresh rosemary sprigs, soda water, lime, ice cubes and sugar. These are all ingredients easy to find anywhere, and possibly already in your home.

What is a grapefruit? Are they good for you?

I love to start recipes with a bit of back work on ingredients. The main ingredient in this mocktail recipe is fresh grapefruit. Which is a tropical citrus fruit known for its balanced sweet and tart flavour.

There are different types of grapefruit like the pink grapefruit used in this sweet mocktail recipe and tart, red grapefruit and white grapefruit which is the sourest of them all. And many more varieties too. I was as surprised as you are, trust me!

Grapefruits have a lot of benefits:

• rich in nutrients, like vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as fibres, minerals and antioxidants;
• can benefit your immune system;
• low in calories;
• can help prevent diabetes;
• can improve heart health;
• may reduce the risk of kidney stones;
• very hydrating. (Healthline)

Is rosemary good for you?

Indeed it is! Rosemary is a shrub native to the Mediterranean that is popular in any kitchen. Used as a herb fresh or dried in cooking, infused in oil, used in teas and also has great use in medicine. So why wouldn’t you use it in drinks too? And not only as a garnish!

Rosemary contains:

• a high percentage of manganese, which helps the blood clotting when injured;
• has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties;
• can lower the risk of infections;
• can potentially reduce the risk of cancer;
• reduces stress and anxiety;
• improves memory and concentration (Web MD).

Can I substitute anything in this mocktail recipe?

If you are not a fan of pink grapefruit juice, I am sure you can arrange a change in citrus fruit and therefore balance your mocktail again. Though this has not been tried so it takes a bit of work on your own. In case you find pink grapefruits too sweet, you can change them for another variety of grapefruits and check the sugar in the recipe to balance it out.

Rosemary sprigs work well with grapefruit so I would suggest not changing it. And talking about lime juice, I think it adds a kick to the grapefruit mocktail that takes it up a notch. If you don’t have lime on hand, lemon might work as well, but make sure you adjust the levels accordingly.

Instead of using regular sparkling water, you can go for club soda, tonic water or sparkling juice. If sugar is not for you, you can substitute it for honey, or maybe maple syrup or any sugar replacements. As usual with any changes to the recipe, you need to tweak it to get your perfect mocktail!

How do I make this grapefruit mocktail recipe?

I thought you would never ask! Jokes apart, this grapefruit mocktail starts with a simple syrup. Nothing too complicated, you know me, I mess up even the simplest of dishes. All you need is a small pan over medium heat, you will add water, sugar, juice of the grapefruit, juice of a lime and rosemary. Let it simmer for around ten minutes so that the sugar will melt and the juices will have taken the flavour of the rosemary too, and be mixed.

After you strain the syrup, you have to let it cool. It won’t take long, depending on what vessel you use. The larger the container the faster it will be. I had a small jug so it took twenty minutes to half an hour. After that get ready to assemble your grapefruit mocktail!

Do I have to make the syrup, or can I pass on it?

I find that making this simple syrup for this grapefruit cocktail is what links the flavours. If you would just add all the ingredients to a glass, you would lose the rosemary infusion as well as that punchy flavour when all the ingredients mix. Therefore, I would suggest you make it as it only takes 10 minutes top.

You can also keep this syrup for up to a month in the fridge and keep making this over and over. Because it’s so delicious, you can’t miss it! If you are a fan of syrup, you can also try this easy gingerbread syrup to keep at home. And if you love different syrups, we have recipes for blueberry syrup, strawberry syrup and lavender syrup, which we used for delicious drinks.

How does this sparkling grapefruit mocktail taste?

This grapefruit mocktail was everything I was not expecting. I am, to be honest with everyone, not a fan of grapefruit. I dislike it to say it all. So you will ask why make this in the first place. Everyone at home loves grapefruit and I convinced myself to try it again. It did redeem a bit the fruit with everything in the drink, but I am still on the fence about having a grapefruit as I would an orange.

Anyway, going back to the question. Pink grapefruits are very balanced in sweetness and tartness, so it shows in the mocktail. The lime adds a refreshing yet punchy touch to the drink as well as in the sugar-rimmed glasses. The rosemary adds an aromatic touch that binds everything together.

What can I pair this grapefruit mocktail with?

This mocktail is perfect for every season. Grapefruits are in season from November through June, but you can get grapefruit juice all year round. Therefore, this mocktail is perfect with anything from your bbq recipes to your pizza recipes.

I think it would work like a treat with these peach ricotta crostini, this savoury rosemary shortbread recipe or with your favourite bbq recipes like ribs or roasted veggies. The world is your oyster when it comes to pairing!

Do you have more mocktail recipes?

As non-drinkers, we have been loving making mocktail recipes, so this easy grapefruit mocktail is in good company with some of our favourites:

• green apple mocktail – offers the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess;
• this chic Cosmopolitan mocktail to channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw;
• a lovely and refreshing cucumber basil mocktail, the perfect way to enjoy cucumber in summer;
• this delicious apple fizz mocktail – a taste of fall in a glass;
• the delicious alcohol-free version of this Aperol Spritz mocktail has nothing on the alcoholic counterpart;
• a yummy blueberry mojito mocktail you won’t be able to put down this non-alcoholic mojito;
• this raspberry & ACV mocktail you can consider very healthy indeed;
• this cucumber mint lemonade, refreshing and hydrating;
• pumpkin spice moktail – because who said it’s all about lattes?
• hot toddy mocktail – a quick and easy alternative to the holiday classic;
• the most relaxing lavender mocktail that looks so adorable, you won’t stop thinking about it ever;
• a lovely pineapple basil mocktail which screams summer all over again;

This grapefruit mocktail with rosemary was honestly a hit at home! And, it even redeemed a bit of grapefruit for me, so it was a win-win! The simple syrup was even better than I expected and everyone chugged it like water, not what I was expecting, but we take it! It was fun to try and taste recipes without following more than an idea. Also, taking pictures was fun, but I always dread the outcome!

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I hope you get to try this grapefruit mocktail with rosemary and tweak the recipe to your liking too! Are you a fan of mocktails? Do you ever make any non-alcoholic beverages? Let us know in the comments!

If you are after any more drink recipes, we have a wide selection from lemonades to easy cocktail recipes like this rooibos cocktail or melon cucumber cocktail. If you are after some savoury recipes, check out this quick satay roasted Brussels sprouts recipe that could work well with it. Or check out our latest vegan panna cotta dessert recipe. Stay tuned for more mocktail recipes soon!

PIN THE GRAPEFRUIT MOCKTAIL RECIPE FOR LATER!