Our New Favorite: Tangy Grapefruit Crush Recipe

There’s a reason the crush cocktail has become a coastal favorite—it’s delicious and gives your tastebuds a whole new experience! We’re giving this recipe a zesty twist with our new go-to: the tangy grapefruit crush!

A glass filled with fresh grapefruit juice near a few grapefruit wedges

Made with fresh-squeezed juice from Texas Rio red grapefruits, this vibrant drink bursts with citrusy goodness and just the right amount of sparkle. Whether you're mixing it up for a sunny afternoon or your next get-together, this recipe for grapefruit crush brings all the flavor and fun.

In this article, we’re sharing everything you need to make your own grapefruit crush recipe at home. Ready to shake things up? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • If you’re craving a taste of summer, our Grapefruit Crush cocktail is just the drink you need. 
  • This refreshing citrusy drink combines the fresh, tangy taste of Texas Rio red grapefruits and other delicious ingredients.
  • For this drink, you’ll need grapefruit, vodka, sparkling water, and ice.
  • If you love the grapefruit taste, keep an eye out for Texas Rio red grapefruits from Winter Sweetz when they’re back in season.

What is a Crush?

Ah, the Crush—a cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass! It originated on the Mid-Atlantic coast, especially Ocean City, Maryland. This refreshing, citrus-forward drink quickly became a beach bar favorite. It’s made with hand-squeezed fruit juice (usually orange juice or grapefruit juice), vodka, triple sec, and a splash of soda. Simple, vibrant, and oh-so-drinkable.

The story began in the 1990s at Harborside Bar & Grill, where the orange crush first made waves. Locals loved it, and soon, bars across Delaware and Baltimore followed suit. Over time, creative variations emerged—like the popular grapefruit crush and even versions using flavored vodkas or club soda for a lighter twist.

What makes the crush special is the fresh juice squeezed right at the bar. It adds real flavor and a fun, hands-on experience that bottled mixers just can't match. You should never use bottled juice for a crush: freshly squeezed juice is always best.

For many, the crush is more than just a cocktail—it’s a mood. It’s the taste of weekend getaways, beach days, and sunny vibes. Whether you're sipping one at the beach or making your own at home, a crush always brings a little sunshine to the moment.

How to Make a Grapefruit Crush Cocktail

This tangy grapefruit crush is our new winter go-to—sweet, sour, and sparkling with citrusy charm. It’s like sipping sunshine with a hint of cooling breeze, and the best part about this recipe? You can whip it up at home in minutes. You only need fresh Texas Rio red grapefruits, vodka, triple sec, and sparkling water for your grapefruit crush cocktail recipe.

Grapefruit Crush Ingredients

Making Your Cocktail

  1. Wash and cut your grapefruit in half, vertically. Remove two grapefruit wedges and set aside for later.
  2. Juice both grapefruits using a citrus reamer or handheld juicer until you have about 1 cup of fresh grapefruit juice. Strain using a juice cloth to remove the pulp from the juice.
  3. Fill a cocktail shaker with some ice and pour in the freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
  4. Add four ounces of vodka and one ounce of triple sec to the shaker.
  5. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
  6. Pour the mix evenly into two ice-filled glasses.
  7. Top each glass with sparkling water—grapefruit-flavored for extra tang.
  8. Garnish with your remaining fresh grapefruit slices.
  9. Sip and enjoy your refreshing, tart Grapefruit Crush!

Substitution Ideas

  • If you don't have a triple sec, you can use Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or even a dash of honey or simple syrup for a non-boozy twist.
  • If you don’t have sparkling water, you can use club soda or seltzer.
  • Want an extra zing? Try grapefruit-flavored vodka instead of plain vodka for a deeper citrus profile.
  • Substitute your sparkling water for lemon lime soda for an added punch of citrussy sweetness!

Savor Every Sip of Summer With Our Texas Rio Red Grapefruits!

Craving that fresh-squeezed goodness in your next crush cocktail? The secret’s in the citrus. Nothing beats the bold, juicy flavor of Texas Rio red grapefruits from Winter Sweetz. While our grapefruit season may be on a short break, it’ll return before you know it.

Stay ahead of the sip and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when our grapefruits are back in stock. We’ll send you seasonal tips, fresh updates, and exclusive offers to your inbox. Cheers to keeping it sweet with Winter Sweetz! 

Sign up for the Winter Sweetz newsletter to be the first to know when our Texas Rio red grapefruits are back!

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