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Refreshing Grapefruit Vodka Tonic Recipe

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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! And it’s ready in just minutes!

Over head shot of cocktail with grapefruit garnish.
My refreshing Grapefruit Vodka Tonic is the perfect way to cool down on a hot spring or summer afternoon.

A super easy grapefruit cocktail recipe

This Grapefruit Vodka Tonic is one of the best vodka recipes to kick back with and relax on a warm spring or summer day.

If you already know how to make a vodka tonic recipe, this grapefruit version will be super easy for you.

Making cocktails at home is so much fun! I love taking basic classic cocktails and adding in new flavors like this one.

Why this Recipe Works

This delicious vodka tonic grapefruit 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.

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.

Related: Blackberry Gin and Tonic

I have to say, tonic water is not my go-to mixer of choice. To me, tonic water is an acquired taste. But with the addition of grapefruit juice, it creates a tasty drink. 

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.

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.

Ingredients for Grapefruit Vodka Tonic on a table

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

A close up of a bottle of vodka.

Step 1

To a cocktail shaker, add grapefruit juice and vodka. 

Step 2

Add ice then shake well.

Step 3

Strain the grapefruit vodka cocktail into a short cocktail glass over fresh ice. 

A close up of a glass of grapefruit juice next to a can of tonic.

Step 4

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.  

Variation

If you want to make it into a mocktail try this Non-Alcoholic Gin and Tonic as the base. You can easily add grapefruit juice to it to make it even more delish!

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 grapefruit 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. They even have grapefruit tonic!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tonic water?

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.

Does tonic water have calories?

Traditional tonic water is sweetened and will have some calories (approximately 10 calories for 1 ounce). There are diet versions available.

Can you use grapefruit vodka?

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 citrus vodka which would also blend nicely.

A cocktail on a table with grapefruit behind it.

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. 

Or see my collections of Moscow Mule Variations and Wine Cocktails.

How to make a vodka tonic grapefruit.

Grapefruit Vodka Tonic

This tart and bubbly Vodka Grapefruit Cocktail with tonic is a refreshing cocktail idea for those long, warm days. With fresh grapefruit juice and tangy tonic water, this recipe can be made quickly and is flavorful and refreshing.
4.67 from 3 votes
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Course: cocktails
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Calories: 118kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

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

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
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Make a Grapefruit Vodka Tonic next time you want a super refreshing drink full of fresh citrus flavor! 

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