Looking for a simple cocktail to enjoy on a warm afternoon? This amazing Grapefruit Vodka Tonic is the answer!
The combination of tart grapefruit juice and bubbly tonic water makes this cocktail light and refreshing! It’s one of the best vodka recipes to kick back and relax with on a warm spring or summer day.
This post was originally published on April 30, 2020 and has now been updated with better instructions and more helpful tips to make this drink deliciously every time.
Making easy cocktails at home is so much fun! I love taking basic classic cocktails and adding in new flavors.
This delicious vodka drink is one of my favorite easy cocktails to make at home. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a cold cocktail packed with citrus flavor that is perfect for sipping.
If you already know how to make a vodka tonic, this recipe will be even easier for you.
Why this Recipe Works
The flavors in this simple grapefruit vodka cocktail blend well together. And you only need 3 ingredients. Making this simple vodka grapefruit drink couldn’t be easier!
The citrusy flavor from the grapefruit juice combines perfectly with vodka and flavorful tonic water. The result is a light and bubbly cocktail you’ll crave.
I have to say, tonic water is not my go-to mixer of choice. But with the addition of grapefruit juice, it creates a tasty drink.
To me, tonic water is an acquired taste. But it is absolutely delicious in a Blackberry Gin and Tonic.
While I’m sharing a way to make this with a cocktail shaker, you could certainly make one without it. This is the kind of unfussy cocktail that I truly love! It’s an easy-to-make cold and refreshing summer drink that you could also make right in the glass.
Basic cocktail recipes (like 2 ingredient cocktails, or recipes with 3 like in this post) are great for getting the hang of making cocktails at home. It helps you to learn what flavors you like and how much you like to taste the liquor in your drinks.
Love the flavor of grapefruit? You should also check out this refreshing Grapefruit Sparkling Wine Spritzer!
Ingredient Notes
This simple vodka tonic recipe is made up mostly of grapefruit juice with a nice serving of vodka enhanced by just a splash of tonic water for taste.
Grapefruit juice isn’t quite as popular as other citrus fruits for making cocktails but is an easy flavor twist. I used fresh grapefruit, but if you need to, you could use store-bought juice. It will be slightly sweeter which isn’t a bad thing when grapefruit is involved.
Use your favorite brand of vodka. I had Smirnoff on hand so I grabbed it. But I typically prefer Tito’s.
Tonic water has a distinct bittersweet flavor. If you prefer fewer calories, diet tonic water will work just as well in this cocktail.
There really isn’t a comparable substitute for tonic water. The flavor is really unique. But in a pinch, you could use soda water, lemon-lime soda or even ginger ale. But the overall flavor will be very different from this recipe as written.
How to Make a Vodka Tonic with Grapefruit
To a cocktail shaker, add grapefruit juice and vodka.
Add ice then shake well.
Strain the grapefruit vodka cocktail into a short cocktail glass over fresh ice.
Top with tonic water to add a splash of carbonation and flavor.
Garnish with some small pieces of fresh grapefruit juice.
There’s something so refreshing about fresh grapefruit! This cocktail has bright flavors and is super colorful. It’s a great one to serve at brunch or on a warm afternoon.
Top tips
- Add the ice to the cocktail shaker last. That gives it less time to melt and potentially dilute your cocktail.
- Never shake the cocktail with the tonic water as it may explode (carbonation, yo!)
- You can use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice but due to the tartness, you may need to add a little bit of a sweetener. Use simple syrup or agave which both keep really well in the fridge. Or use store-bought grapfruit juice which already has sweetener added.
- To customize this drink even more, consider adding a garnish of fresh herbs. Something like rosemary would pair really well with the grapefruit.
- Don’t have grapefruit, you can easily add another citrus fruit for a tasty cocktail variation.
- Tonic water also comes in a variety of flavors so you can change up this drink in your own unique way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tonic water is a popular cocktail mixer made from a combination of minerals and the compound quinine, which gives tonic water its distinct bitter taste. Most tonic water is carbonated and sweetened.
Traditional tonic water is sweetened and will have some calories (approximately 10 calories for 1 ounce). There are diet versions available.
You can use grapefruit vodka to make this vodka tonic recipe. It will add another layer of grapefruit flavor to the drink. You could also try using a citrus vodka which would also blend nicely.
There are times when you want to make a more elaborate cocktail, like this 7-Up Pineapple Rum Float, and then there are times when you want to sip something simple. This Grapefruit Vodka Tonic is perfect for those times.
Related Recipes
- Fruit Punch Vodka: This Fruit Punch Vodka drink is like an adult-friendly version of your favorite kid’s drink. This one will put a smile on your face for sure.
- Slushie Vodka Sunrise: This Slushie Vodka Sunrise is another great drink idea for when the weather is warm. With just 3 ingredients and some crushed ice, this easy drink idea is refreshing and brightly colored.
- Vodka Mojito: Yes, you can make a Vodka Mojito. It’s an easy drink full of fresh mint and lime flavor and perfect for those of us who don’t love rum. It’s SO tasty!
Or see my collections of Moscow Mule Variations and Wine Cocktails.
Grapefruit Vodka Tonic
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 4 oz. grapefruit juice
- 1 oz vodka
- tonic water to taste
Instructions
- To a cocktail shaker, add grapefruit juice and vodka.
- Add ice, then shake well to chill.
- Strain into a short cocktail glass full of ice.
- Top with tonic water.
- Garnish with a piece of fresh grapefruit
Notes
- Add the ice to the cocktail shaker last. That gives it less time to melt and potentially dilute your cocktail.
- Never shake the cocktail with the tonic water as it may explode (carbonation, yo!)
- I like to use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice but due to the tartness, you may need to add a little bit of a sweetener. Or you can use store-bought grapefruit juice which will already have sweetness added.
- To customize this drink even more, consider adding a garnish of fresh herbs. Something like rosemary would pair really well with the grapefruit.
- Don’t have grapefruit? You can easily add another citrus fruit for a tasty cocktail variation.
- Tonic water also comes in a variety of flavors so you can change up this drink in your own unique way. You could also use diet Tonic if you prefer.
Nutrition
Make a Grapefruit Vodka Tonic next time you want a super refreshing drink full of fresh citrus flavor!
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