4 Red Grapefruit Vodka Cocktails for a Hot Day Refresher!

Grapefruits are the ultimate sunshine fruit, packed with the perfect mix of sweet and tart, not to mention a load of vitamin C! Now, for those over the age of 21, imagine pairing that zesty goodness with smooth vodka for a refreshing cocktail that will cool you down on a hot day. Sounds pretty good, right?

Top view of a Texas Rio red grapefruit cocktail

Each cocktail recipe brings its own unique twist, so there’s a perfect sip for every occasion. Grab your shaker and glasses, and let's dive into some seriously refreshing Texas Rio red grapefruit cocktails! Remember to drink responsibly!

Salty Dog Cocktail

A Salty Dog is a pleasant blend of tart, sweet, and salty flavors that go great on a hot day! This cocktail combines fresh red grapefruit juice, vodka, and a salted rim for an extra flavor kick. The balance of citrus and salt makes it a refreshing choice for summer afternoons or a chill sip in your backyard on a cozy evening.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ounces (1 standard shot or jigger) of vodka
  • 1 large Texas Rio red grapefruit
  • 1 tablespoon of coarse salt
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Cut your large red grapefruit into two halves. Juice one half and cut the other into grapefruit slices.
  2. Pour the coarse salt onto a small plate.
  3. Rub your grapefruit slice along the rim of a glass, then dip it into the salt to coat the edge.
  4. Fill the glass with ice.
  5. Pour your vodka and about half a cup of fresh grapefruit juice into your glass.
  6. Stir gently, garnish with your grapefruit slice, and enjoy.

Italian Greyhound Cocktail

The Italian Greyhound is a sophisticated take on the classic Greyhound cocktail. It features a touch of Campari or Aperol for a bittersweet kick, woodsy rosemary, and a bittersweet splash of Aperol. Instead of a salted rim, this version uses a sugar rim that adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tartness of your Texas Rio red grapefruit juice.

Ingredients

  • 1 Texas Rio red grapefruit
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary
  • ¼ cup of sugar 
  • 1.5 ounces (1 standard shot or jigger) of gin
  • 1.5 ounces (1 standard shot or jigger) of Aperol or Campari
  • 1 fresh rosemary sprig 
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Pour the sugar and chopped rosemary onto a small plate.
  2. Cut your grapefruit in half, juicing one half and slicing the other into wedges. Keep a slice for garnish.
  3. Run a grapefruit slice along the rim of a glass, then dip the glass into the sugar mixture to coat the edge.
  4. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  5. Pour the gin, Aperol or Campari, and your fresh red grapefruit juice into the shaker.
  6. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
  7. Strain your mixture into the prepared glass and add some more fresh ice.
  8. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and a slice of your grapefruit. Enjoy!

Red Grapefruit Martini

A red grapefruit martini is an awesome cocktail that has a crisp and citrusy blend of Texas Rio red grapefruit juice with a smooth bite of vodka. A sugar rim replaces the usual salted rim, adding a touch of sweetness that balances the tart flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of white sugar
  • 2  Texas Rio red grapefruit
  • 1.5 ounces (1 standard shot or jigger) of vodka
  • 3 ounces (2 standard shots or jiggers) of triple sec
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Pour your sugar onto a small plate.
  2. Cut your grapefruits into halves, slicing one half into wedges and juicing the rest. Measure out ¾ cup of juice and set aside the wedges. 
  3. Run a grapefruit wedge along the rim of a martini glass, then dip it into the sugar to coat the glass edge.
  4. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
  5. Pour in the red grapefruit juice, vodka, and triple sec.
  6. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
  7. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass and serve.

Grapefruit Vodka Tonic

The grapefruit vodka tonic is a refreshing twist on the classic vodka tonic. This drink packs the tangy sweetness of grapefruit for a delightful citrusy kick. The simple yet flavorful grapefruit cocktail does the trick when you need a quick and cooling beverage on hot days.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ounces (1 standard shot or jigger) of vodka
  • 1 Texas Rio red grapefruit
  • Tonic water, to taste
  • 1 small lime
  • Ice cubes
  • A slice of Texas Rio red grapefruit

Instructions

  1. Slice your grapefruit in half and juice, measuring out ¼ cup of freshly squeezed juice.
  2. Fill a highball or stemless wine glass with ice cubes.
  3. Pour in the vodka and grapefruit juice.
  4. Cut the lime in half and juice, adding the lime juice to the glass.
  5. Top off the glass with your desired amount of tonic water, or substitute with club soda or sparkling water if you prefer.
  6. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
  7. Then, garnish your cocktail with a slice of your red grapefruit or a lime wedge.

Sip and Chill With Our Refreshing Grapefruit Cocktail Recipes!

What’re you waiting for? Cool off and sip in style with these refreshing grapefruit cocktails! Whether you're a fan of tangy twists, fizzy finishes, or a little herbal infusion, there’s a perfect pour waiting for you.

Every sunny day deserves a citrusy cocktail, and we can’t wait for you to try these unique recipes! Although our Texas Rio red grapefruits are out of season at the moment, we’ll always let you know when they are back in stock. Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop!

You can shake up a citrus-powered cocktail to brighten your day when our Texas Rio red grapefruits are back in season!

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