If summer had a signature cocktail, the Grapefruit Prosecco Gin Spritz might just take the crown.
This drink is a sparkling medley of tangy grapefruit, herbaceous gin, and bubbly prosecco, balanced with a touch of sweetness to make each sip more irresistible than the last.
Whether you’re hosting a sunny brunch, a chic garden party, or simply want to elevate your Netflix-and-chill session, this cocktail is a showstopper. It’s sophisticated yet playful, refreshing but with enough punch to let you know it’s a grown-up drink.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t meet this citrusy delight sooner.
In this post, you'll find...
When to Serve This Cocktail
The Grapefruit Prosecco Gin Spritz is a versatile crowd-pleaser. Serve it at:
- Brunches: Pair it with avocado toast or smoked salmon bagels for a chic start to the day.
- Pool Parties: Its zesty, bubbly nature makes it a hit in the summer heat.
- Date Nights: Set the mood with its elegant presentation and complex flavors.
- Holiday Gatherings: Add a festive garnish like cranberries to give it a wintery twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list for this bubbly beauty. Exact measurements matter to strike the perfect balance, so don’t eyeball it—this isn’t your morning OJ.
- 2 oz gin
- 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 3 oz prosecco
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit slices (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Breakdown
Gin:
Go for a quality gin with herbal or citrus notes, like Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, or Hendrick’s. The botanicals in gin beautifully complement the tartness of the grapefruit, making this the backbone of the cocktail.
Fresh Grapefruit Juice:
Fresh is key here! Bottled grapefruit juice often lacks the brightness and zing of freshly squeezed juice. Pick ruby red grapefruits if you can—they’re sweeter and more vibrant.
Simple Syrup:
This is your balancing act. It softens the tartness and adds just the right amount of sweetness. If you like things less sweet, reduce the amount or skip it entirely. Bonus tip: Try making rosemary-infused simple syrup for an extra flavor twist!
Prosecco:
Bubbles make everything better. Choose a dry prosecco (labeled “Brut”) so it doesn’t overwhelm the cocktail with sweetness. If prosecco isn’t handy, any dry sparkling wine will do the trick.
Ice Cubes:
Don’t overlook ice quality—cloudy cubes or ones that pick up freezer smells can mess with your drink’s clean taste. Clear, fresh ice is ideal for presentation and flavor.
Garnishes:
Garnishes are like accessories—they’re optional, but they elevate the whole look. A grapefruit slice adds a pop of color, while a sprig of rosemary introduces a subtle earthy aroma that pairs well with gin.
How to Make a Grapefruit Prosecco Gin Spritz
Now, let’s mix some magic! Follow these steps for a perfectly balanced, Instagram-worthy drink:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start, ensure all your ingredients are chilled. Pop the prosecco in the fridge and store your gin and juice there as well. This keeps the drink refreshingly cool without over-relying on ice, which can dilute the flavors.
Step 2: Build the Base
In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, fresh grapefruit juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker halfway with ice. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty. This ensures everything is well-mixed and chilled to perfection.
Step 3: Add the Bubbles
Grab a large wine glass or a highball glass and fill it halfway with ice cubes. Strain the shaken mixture into the glass. Then, slowly pour the prosecco over the top. Pouring gently preserves the bubbles, which are the heart and soul of this spritz.
Step 4: Garnish Like a Pro
Slip a thin grapefruit slice along the side of the glass for a vibrant garnish. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary for a touch of aromatic flair. Not only does it smell divine, but it also gives the drink a sophisticated finish that’s sure to impress.
Step 5: Sip and Savor
Give your drink a light stir before taking your first sip to blend all the flavors. Take a moment to appreciate the layers: the zing of grapefruit, the herbal warmth of gin, the effervescence of prosecco, and that touch of sweetness tying it all together. Cheers to your mixology skills!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Spritz
- Play with Ratios: Prefer a stronger kick? Add an extra half-ounce of gin. Want more bubbles? Top up with more prosecco. The beauty of this cocktail is its flexibility.
- Batch It for a Crowd: Hosting a party? Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix everything except the prosecco in a pitcher. When it’s time to serve, pour the mixture into individual glasses and top with prosecco to keep it fizzy.
- Upgrade Your Garnishes: Feeling fancy? Use a culinary torch to lightly char the rosemary sprig for a smoky aroma. Or rim the glass with sugar for a touch of sweetness in every sip.
- Make It Alcohol-Free: Swap the gin for non-alcoholic gin or soda water, and use a sparkling grape juice or non-alcoholic prosecco. This spritz is equally refreshing without the buzz.
Grapefruit Prosecco Gin Spritz Recipe
Grapefruit Prosecco Gin Spritz
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz prosecco
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit slice for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprig optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Ensure your prosecco, gin, and grapefruit juice are well-chilled for a refreshing drink without over-relying on ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker feels frosty.
- Fill a large wine glass or highball glass halfway with fresh ice cubes.
- Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass.
- Gently pour 3 oz of prosecco on top, letting the bubbles do their magic.
- Add a thin slice of grapefruit to the side of the glass and a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic finish.
- Lightly stir to blend the flavors.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, bubbly goodness!
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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!