Fresh Grapefruit Martini Recipe: Refreshing Vodka Cocktail

Our Fresh Grapefruit Martini recipe has become one of our go-to summer cocktails. It’s refreshing and delicious. This easy martini recipe uses fresh pink grapefruit juice to create a citrusy, lip-smacking cocktail that’s not overly sweet. It’s perfect for warm evenings, girls’ nights, or any time you want a cool sipper.

Why I Love This Recipe

I first tried making this Grapefruit Martini after falling in love with one at a local sushi bar on a warm summer day. It was so refreshing and perfectly balanced that I could have easily had a dozen! My friends and I immediately fell in love with it because it’s bright and citrusy without being too tart or too sweet. Now it’s become our go-to cocktail for summer entertaining, poolside sipping, and relaxing after long days.

What makes this recipe so special is that it uses fresh pink grapefruit juice instead of bottled mixers, which gives it a clean, natural flavor that’s not overly artificial or sugary. Even friends who usually don’t like grapefruit ask for the recipe after trying this martini! Oh, and 4 ingredients and 5 minutes, and you’ve got an amazing grapefruit cocktail!

Key Ingredient Notes

While you’ll find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below, I wanted to highlight a few important ingredients:

• Pink Grapefruit: Pink grapefruits are sweeter than white grapefruits, making them perfect for cocktails. Choose ones that feel heavy for their size and have smooth, firm skin.
• Good Quality Vodka: Since vodka is the main spirit here, using a smooth, premium vodka makes a real difference in taste. You don’t need the most expensive bottle, but avoid the cheapest options.
• Triple Sec: This orange liqueur adds sweetness and citrus complexity. Cointreau is smooth and our choice. Regular triple sec works perfectly fine and is a little more budget-friendly.
• Simple Syrup: You can make your own in a jiffy by mixing equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved. Agave syrup works as a substitute too.

Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Grapefruit Martini

Before you head to the recipe card, here are some helpful tips I’ve learned from making this cocktail many times:

• Chill Your Glass: Put your martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes or fill it with ice while you make the drink. A cold glass keeps your martini perfectly chilled.
• Fresh Juice is Key: Always use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for the best flavor. It tastes so much better than bottled juice and takes just a minute to squeeze.
• Shake Well: Shake the cocktail vigorously for at least 15 seconds to properly chill and mix all the ingredients. You’ll hear the ice rattling around.
• Strain Properly: Use a fine mesh strainer if you have one to catch any pulp or ice chips for a perfectly smooth martini.
• Taste and Adjust: If your grapefruit is extra tart, add a little more simple syrup. If it’s very sweet, add a splash more grapefruit juice.

Serving Suggestions

This Grapefruit Martini is perfect on its own as a sophisticated cocktail for happy hour or dinner parties. It pairs wonderfully with light appetizers like our lime shrimp, bruschetta, or our citrusy scallops appetizer. For a complete summer spread, I like to serve it with grilled fish, fresh salads, or sushi.

To serve, simply strain into your chilled martini glass and garnish with a fresh grapefruit peel twist. For an extra special touch, rim the glass with a mix of sugar and coarse salt before adding the cocktail!

Storage and Leftovers

This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately while it’s cold and fresh. However, you can prep the grapefruit juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

If you’re making cocktails for a party, you can mix larger batches in a pitcher (just multiply the recipe by the number of drinks you need) and keep it chilled in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving since the ingredients may separate.

Variations to Try

• Ruby Red Grapefruit Martini: Use ruby red grapefruit juice for an even sweeter, more colorful drink!
• Spicy Grapefruit Martini: Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker for a kick of heat.
• Grapefruit Gimlet: Replace the triple sec with fresh lime juice for a more tart, gin-and-tonic style drink.
• Virgin Grapefruit Cocktail: Skip the vodka and triple sec, add extra simple syrup, and top with sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.
• Rosemary Grapefruit Martini: Muddle a sprig of fresh rosemary in the shaker for an herbal twist.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this Grapefruit Martini, I bet you’ll also love some of my other citrus cocktail recipes! My Grapefruit Crush uses many of the same ingredients but with a bubbly soda twist. For more fresh cocktails, our Aperol Spritz, Pineapple Campari, and Paloma are quick and easy options.

This Grapefruit Martini has become one of my most treasured cocktail recipes, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too! Please let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think! I love hearing how my recipes turn out in your kitchens.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it for later and follow me on Pinterest for more delicious recipes like this one!

This grapefruit martini recipe was first released on July 27, 2014. It has been updated to improve our readers’ experience. We added simple details and new images. No changes were made to the actual recipe.