Gin Spritz

This drink is great after work on a Friday, poolside on a Saturday, or at a fezzy Sunday brunch. I love how you can adjust the amount of alcohol by tweaking the volume of soda water added.

If you're planning to serve this alongside a brunch feast, try out this recipe for a Ham and Cheese French Toast Casserole. Serve this Streusel Banana Bread and these Bacon Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies as the sweet treats. These are some of my favourite recipes to serve at a boozy brunch. 

Ingredients

To make this delicious cocktail, you'll need a few simple ingredients. Other than the grapefruit cordial, you should have these at home already!

• Gin - There are so many great gins to choose from; I used Hendricks gin. Its classic gin flavour allows the grapefruit to shine through. But use your gin of choice.
• Champagne - Use champagne, prosecco, or MCC for this cocktail recipe. Any sparkling wine will work. 
• Grapefruit cordial - This adds a touch of sweetness to the cocktail, which helps balance out the bitterness of the gin and grapefruit. If you can't find any cordial, then make your own simple syrup using equal parts water and white sugar. 
• Fresh grapefruit - Use the rind to garnish the cocktail, and squeeze the grapefruit juice freshly, removing any seeds using a fine mesh sieve. 

Instructions for Gin Spritz

To make this easy weekend cocktail, follow the simple steps below. 

STEP 1: Mix grapefruit juice, cordial, and gin. Add the grapefruit juice, grapefruit cordial, and gin to a large wine glass. Stir to combine.

STEP 2. Add ice. Fill the glass with lots of ice.

STEP 3: Add champagne and soda water. Pour the champagne over the ice and then top with the soda water.

STEP 4: Garnish. Garnish the cocktail with a slice of grapefruit rind and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations

I love the fresh, bitter notes that the grapefruit and rosemary add to this cocktail. However, you can choose to add different garnishes and flavours to this classic gin spritz. 

Instead of grapefruit, you can add freshly squeezed and strained strawberry juice mixed with a touch of lime juice. Garnish with fresh strawberries and fresh mint leaves for a sweeter cocktail, leaving out the grapefruit cordial or substituting it with elderflower liqueur. Other berries, such as blackberries, blueberries, and fresh raspberries, can also be used. 

This simple recipe can also be made using other citrus fruits; fresh blood orange juice is a great alternative to grapefruit juice. Use a simple syrup, a splash of fresh lemon juice, and decorate the cocktail with orange rind and rosemary. 

Equipment

You don't need any fancy equipment to make this gin spritz recipe, as it is mixed in a wine glass rather than a cocktail shaker. You will, however, need to have shot glasses or measuring equipment to measure out the alcohol. To serve, use large white wine glasses; if you don't have any, then a highball glass or any other cocktail glass will also work.

Storage

If you'd like to make this ahead of time and then serve it tableside. You can prepare the grapefruit juice, gin, and grapefruit cordial. Only add the champagne, soda, and ice just before serving. 

This crisp Gin Spritz cocktail is my go-to for hot summer months when you need something utterly refreshing that isn't too sweet. So if you feel like trying something other than an Aperol spritz this summer, I vote you give this cocktail a go. And if you are looking for something spicy, this Lychee Cocktail is just for you!

If, like me, you love the idea of pairing a cocktail with a dessert, then try making this gin spritz alongside these Orange Cupcakes or this recipe for Jam Sandwich Cookies.

If you give this grapefruit gin spritz recipe a go, please leave a comment and star rating below. I would love to know what you thought of this recipe, and let me know which gin cocktails you'd like to see next. 

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Happy Baking 

With Love, 

Kitty