Whiskey Grapefruit Cocktail

This Whiskey Grapefruit Cocktail is formerly known as a Ruby Red Jubilee Cocktail on our site, but now has a simpler, more straightforward name. A take on one of my favorite drinks, the classic Brown Derby cocktail, and somewhat similar to a Whiskey Sour, it’s a sweet and tart cocktail with no shortage of one of my favorite spirits.

Ingredients

All you need are a few simple ingredients to whip up this show-stopping cocktail.

• Whiskey – Tangy grapefruit juice pairs well with both bourbon and rye whiskey. Choose your favorite — you can’t go wrong either way!
• Grapefruit Juice – Not only does the juice add its signature flavor to the drink, but it adds pretty color to it, too.
• Fresh Lime Juice – This adds a touch more citrusy flavor to the drink that complements the grapefruit.
• Simple Syrup – This is key for rounding out the cocktail with a little bit of sweetness.
• Dash of Ground Cinnamon – While it’s optional, I love the warm flavor and aroma that cinnamon adds. It pairs beautifully with the whiskey.
• Grapefruit Slices – This optional garnish takes the cocktail to the next level.

Variations

Switch a few things up to turn this citrusy cocktail with its grapefruit twist into your own signature concoction.

• Spiciness – Infuse jalapenos into your simple syrup for a spicy take.
• Sweetness – Try honey or maple syrup in place of simple syrup. Or make a honey syrup by using honey instead of sugar in the simple syrup.
• Citrus – Use fresh lemon juice or orange juice in place of lime.
• Garnish – Try using an orange peel instead of a grapefruit wedge or slice to garnish the citrusy drink. It’s also amazing with a salted rim that incorporates grapefruit zest. Or, opt for a fresh sprig of rosemary for an herbal twist.
• Bitters – Shake in a dash or two of Angostura bitters to round out the drink.

How to Make a Whiskey Grapefruit Cocktail

It couldn’t be easier to make this pretty cocktail! If you’re looking for a grapefruit cocktail that is not a paloma, this may just become your go-to.

1. Combine and shake. Add ice to a cocktail shaker before adding all of the ingredients except the garnish. Shake vigorously until completely combined. 
2. Pour. Hold the strainer in the shaker while pouring the drink over ice in a rocks glass. 
3. Garnish and serve. Shake on some ground cinnamon or place a grapefruit slice on the rim for garnish. Serve immediately.

More Holiday Cocktails and Drinks

There’s nothing like snuggling up with a cocktail on a cold winter night. Here are some of our favorites.

Drinks

Cranberry Whiskey Sour

4.32 from 19 votes

Drinks

Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail

4.56 from 29 votes

Drinks

Maple Whiskey Sour (No Egg)

4.91 from 10 votes

Whiskey Grapefruit Cocktail

5 from 3 votes

This Whiskey Grapefruit Cocktail is the perfect holiday cocktail made with whiskey, grapefruit and lime juice, simple syrup and an optional dash of cinnamon.

Prep Time: 3 minutes mins

Total Time: 3 minutes mins

Servings: 1 cocktail

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Equipment

• Bartending Set

Ingredients

• 1.5 ounces whiskey
• 4 tablespoons grapefruit juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• Dash of ground cinnamon , optional
• Grapefruit Slices , for garnish and optional

Instructions

• Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add the whiskey, grapefruit juice, lime juice and simple syrup. Shake generously.
• Strain the drink over a rocks glass filled with ice.
• Garnish with ground cinnamon and/or a grapefruit slice, if desired.
• If you've made this cocktail, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Notes

Please drink responsibly and only if you are over 21 years of age. 

Nutrition

Calories: 177 kcal, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Sodium: 6 mg, Potassium: 48 mg, Sugar: 12 g, Vitamin C: 12.5 mg

Author: Chef Jessica Anne

Calories: 177

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: whiskey cocktails

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