This Tangerine Grapefruit Cocktail is a refreshing citrus drink that's perfect for any occasion. The homemade basil simple syrup enhances the sweetness of the grapefruit and tangerine. The smoked salt rim adds a surprising twist, making this drink special.
Whether you're having friends over or just want something nice after work, this gin and grapefruit cocktail is easy to make and tastes amazing. The fresh citrus juice makes all the difference!
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🗝️ Recipe's key points
- This grapefruit cocktail comes together quickly once you've made the simple syrup, which can be prepared ahead and stored for up to a month.
- The basil simple syrup is what makes this drink special. It adds a fresh herbal vor that tastes great with the citrus.
- Fresh juice makes all the difference in grapefruit cocktails, but bottled juice works in a pinch for convenience.
- The smoked salt rim is optional but really good – it balances out the sweetness perfectly.
One sip and you'll be hooked. The bright citrus and fresh basil taste like a dish from a nice restaurant. But you can make it at home in just a few minutes.
🛒 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
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Grapefruit cocktail
- Gin – the base of the drink. Dry or barrel-aged gins work best. I used the Botanist gin from Islay, Scotland, which has 22 hand-foraged botanicals.
- Grapefruit juice – freshly squeezed is best for the brightest flavor.
- Tangerine juice – adds a sweeter citrus note that balances the tart grapefruit.
- Basil simple syrup – brings sweetness and a fresh herbal taste.
- Fresh basil leaves – muddled into the cocktail for extra flavor.
Basil simple syrup (makes multiple cocktails)
- Spring water – creates the base for the basil simple syrup.
- Granulated sugar – dissolves in the hot water sweeten the syrup.
- Fresh basil leaves – infuse the syrup with fresh flavor.
Optional garnishes
- Smoked salt – for rimming the glass.
- Fresh basil leaves and sliced grapefruit – for garnish.
🗒 Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Add the cooled simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Add 2 fresh basil leaves and muddle them by pressing and twisting with a muddler.
- Add the grapefruit juice, tangerine juice, gin, and ice cubes to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Prepare your glass by dipping the rim first in water, then in smoked salt. Fill the glass with ice and strain the cocktail into it.
- Garnish with a basil leaf and grapefruit slice if desired.
🥫 Storage
The basil simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container (such as a mason jar) in the refrigerator for up to one month. This makes it easy to whip up this cocktail whenever you want one!
You should enjoy the cocktail fresh. However, you can prepare the citrus juices a few hours in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them.
📚 Variations
- Different Rim: Use coarse sea salt or sugar instead of smoked salt for the rim. Each option tastes a bit different.
- Vodka Substitute: Swap the gin for vodka if you prefer a cleaner taste that lets the citrus shine even more.
- Other Citrus: Try using blood orange or Meyer lemon juice in place of the tangerine for a different flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker when muddling the basil for some heat.
- Frozen Version: Blend all ingredients with ice instead of shaking for a frozen cocktail that's great on hot days.
👩🏻🍳 Tips
- Always use fresh basil leaves for both the simple syrup and muddling. Dried basil won't work for this recipe.
- When muddling basil, be gentle. You want to release the oils, not shred the leaves into tiny pieces.
- Freshly squeezed citrus juice makes a big difference in this cocktail. The flavor is fresher and tastes better than bottled juice.
- Shake the cocktail hard enough that you hear the ice rattling around. This properly chills the drink.
🤔 FAQs
Although fresh juice is always best, bottled juice can be substituted in this recipe.
A plain, coarse salt or sugar can be used to rim the glass instead of the smoked salt.
The best gins for this recipe are dry, barrel-aged, or barrel-rested. Barrel-aged gin offers smoothness and a rich oak note. Barrel-rested gins are similar but are aged in casks for less time and may not have as much oak flavor.
Yes! This cocktail is designed to be bright and balanced, not overly sweet — but your taste always comes first. If you like a sweeter drink, just add a little more basil simple syrup.
Absolutely! Vodka can be substituted for gin if you prefer a more neutral-tasting cocktail.
You sure can! This cocktail is perfect for batching. Mix the grapefruit juice, tangerine juice, gin (or vodka), and basil simple syrup in a large pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Absolutely — it makes a gorgeous mocktail! Replace the gin with sparkling water or tonic water for a refreshing, alcohol-free sip. Make the drink just like before, using citrus juices, basil simple syrup, and muddled basil.
Yes! Make sure to use fresh basil leaves. Dry basil will not work for this cocktail.
📗 Related Recipes
If you love mixing up creative cocktails at home, you have to try my Aperol Spritz!
If you're feeling something creamy, try my Homemade Irish Cream – you could even use it in this Bailey's Iced Coffee!
🍽 What to serve with Tangerine Grapefruit Cocktails
I think this cocktail pairs perfectly with light, fresh appetizers. Any of these would be great choices!
- Cream Cheese Cucumber Sandwiches – These classic tea sandwiches are perfect for a baby shower or bridal shower.
- Bruschetta Pizza Appetizer – The basil in this appetizer would pair perfectly with the cocktail.
- Cucumber Appetizers – These tiny bites are full of exactly the kind of fresh flavors you want to go with this grapefruit cocktail.
🔪 All Our Way recommends the following
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You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.
- Saucepan – for cooking the simple syrup.
- Cutting board – for slicing the grapefruit.
- Cocktail shaker – for mixing and chilling the drink.
- Strainer – if your shaker doesn't have a built-in strainer.
- Jigger – for accurate measurements.
- Muddler – for releasing the oils from the basil leaves.
- Chef's knife – for thinly slicing the fruit garnish.
📞 Chiacchierata (chat)
This Pompelmo (Grapefruit) Tangerine Basil Cocktail is a great example of a drink that feels fresh and festive. It's truly una vera bellezza! The lovely pink color, fresh citrus taste, and fragrant basil make every glass look like it belongs in a cocktail magazine. Add that smoky salt rim, and you have a drink that feels fancy for Christmas Eve. Yet, it’s light enough to enjoy again in July.
I love how versatile this dish is! It’s perfect for summer patio nights and just as great under twinkle lights during the holidays. Honestly, I think it may become one of those cocktails you come back to year after year. It’s quick to make, beautiful to serve, and always gets that first “wow” moment when it hits the table.
So pour yourself a glass, say “cin cin, amici,” and enjoy something beautifully balanced. You’ll find bright citrus, gentle herbs, and just enough smoky drama to keep things interesting. And if this becomes part of your holiday tradition, that just means we’re sipping together every stagione (season)! 🍸✨
Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
What's new? Check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.
📖 Recipe
Grapefruit Tangerine Basil Cocktail
Equipment Needed
- Cocktail shaker, strainer, jigger, and muddler
Ingredients
Cocktail:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1.5 oz grapefruit juice freshly squeezed
- 0.5 oz tangerine juice freshly squeezed
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 2 basil leaves
Basil Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- One bunch of basil leaves 10-15 leaves
- *Makes enough for multiple cocktails and will store in the refrigerator for up to a month in an airtight container such as a mason jar. You will need 1 Tablespoon of simple syrup.
Optional Garnish:
- Smoked Salt
- Basil leaves
- Slice of grapefruit
Instructions
Make the simple syrup:
- Add one cup of water and one cup of granulated sugar to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes to allow the basil to infuse into the syrup. Remove the basil leaves after 20 minutes.
- Put the simple syrup in a container and let it cool completely in the fridge before using.
Assemble the cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, add the cooled simple syrup. Add in 2 basil leaves. Use a muddler to release the basil's flavor by pressing and twisting it on the basil leaf a few times.
- Add the grapefruit, tangerine juice, and gin, along with a handful of ice cubes, to the shaker.
- Place the lid on the shaker and shake the cocktail vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
Salt the glass edge:
- Fill the bottom of a salad plate or shallow dish with a bit of water. To another salad plate, add some smoked salt. Dip the rim of your glass into the plate with the water and then immediately into the plate with the smoked salt to coat the rim of your glass.
- Fill your glass with ice and pour the cocktail from your shaker into the glass, being careful to strain out the basil leaves and ice cubes while pouring.
Optional Garnish:
- Garnish with a basil leaf and a slice of fresh grapefruit.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Citrus Juices: Although fresh juice is always best, bottled juice can be substituted in this recipe.
- Basil leaves: Use fresh leaves. Dry basil will not work for this cocktail.
- Salt/Sugar: A plain, coarse salt or sugar can be used to rim the glass instead of the smoked salt.
- Sweeten: Want it sweeter? Increase the amount of simple syrup in your cocktail.
- Gin Base: The best gins for this recipe are dry or barrel-aged (barrel-rested). Barrel-aged gin offers smoothness and oak-rich flavor. Barrel-rested gins are similar but aged in casks for a shorter period. They may not have as much oak flavor. Dry gins are usually a bit sweeter than the “London dry gin” style. The Botanist gin from Islay, Scotland, is a great selection. It has “22 hand-foraged local botanicals” in it, giving it a well-rounded flavor.
Nutrition
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Marisa Franca
Light, citrusy, and beautifully aromatic, this cocktail is as pretty in the glass as it is delicious.