Do you love Negronis but want to change it up a bit?  This Grapefruit Gin Cocktail does just that using the flavors of the classic Negroni as its base with the addition of some fresh squeezed grapefruit juice.

A glass of the grapefruit gin negroni with a twist of grapefruit peel

Mixed Drinks with Grapefruit Juice

I have always been a huge fan of grapefruit juice.  Growing up, my parents always had orange juice in the house and drinking it was mandatory at breakfast.

I always found it to be too sweet, so whenever I was able to get my hands on some grapefruit juice, that was what I would drink.

Even as a child, the bitterness of the grapefruit appealed to my palate.  Naturally, as an adult, I love making mixed drinks with grapefruit juice.

This gin and grapefruit cocktail was obviously inspired by the classic Negroni, but I wanted to add some freshness to it.  The grapefruit juice was the perfect accomplice for the job!

More Grapefruit Juice Cocktails

So we know my love of grapefruit has inspired this grapefruit gin cocktail, but is has also inspired some other cocktails that we’ve shared with you at Sip and Feast.

  • The Grapefruit Mint Margarita is one of my absolute favorites!  It’s refreshing and the perfect companion to any dishes inspired by the flavors of Mexico.
  • Our Italian Margarita recipe calls for fresh squeezed orange juice, but you could easily use grapefruit juice in its place, although you may need to add some simple syrup if too bitter.
  • And this Bellini recipe uses the addition of Ketel One’s Grapefruit Rose vodka to give the classic a run for it’s money.

What are your favorite grapefruit cocktail combinations?  Drop us a line below and let us know!

What Should I Pair With The Grapefruit Gin Cocktail?

One of my favorite combinations of food and drink, is pizza (or anything with red sauce) and Pellegrino Aranciata, Orangina, or even Orange Fanta.

This combination reminds me of one of the best pizza experiences I had.

My first night vacationing in Sicily, hungry and exhausted from travel/jet lag, I wandered into a tiny pizzeria and ordered a slice of eggplant pizza and an orange Fanta.  The pizza was divine, and each time I replicate that combination, I am reminded of that meal.

At Sip and Feast we believe that food enhances drink, and drink enhances food.  There is definitely a symbiotic relationship between the two!

Some of our recipes would pair perfectly alongside, or following this Grapefruit Negroni.

What are your favorite drink and food combos?  Let us know in the comments below!

How To Make the Grapefruit Gin Cocktail:

I will preface this by saying, this is a bitter cocktail.  There is nothing sweet about gin and grapefruit, especially when you add Campari.  So you may need to add a little extra simple syrup if this is too bitter for you.

I love bitter drinks, especially as a precursor to a meal, but that’s just me!

Gather your ingredients – you’ll need grapefruit juice – fresh is better, but bottled is ok too.  Gin, Campari, some simple syrup and of course ice!

Bottle of gin, Campari and a grapefruit

I used Deepwells Gin this time around but any gin will do.  If you don’t have Campari, you can use Aperol as a substitute.

Grapefruits vary in sweetness/bitterness so be mindful of this and adjust the simple syrup according to your taste.

Combine the grapefruit juice, gin, Campari, ice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 20 seconds or so.

Grapefruit gin cocktail being poured into a glass from a cocktail shaker

Strain and pour over ice.

Garnish with a grapefruit twist or wedge.

It’s that easy!

Glass of Grapefruit Gin Cocktail with twist of Grapefruit peel

This drink is delicious, a little bitter, and 100% refreshing!  Enjoy it before or with a meal!

If you’ve enjoyed this Grapefruit Gin Cocktail or any recipe on this blog please let us know in the comments!  We would love to hear how you did and it’s nice to show others as well.  Thanks!  FOLLOW US on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Grapefruit Gin Cocktail - Grapefruit Negroni

5 from 6 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
The addition of grapefruit puts a new twist on the classic Negroni.

Ingredients 

  • 1 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 2 oz Grapefruit Juice
  • 1 tsp simple syrup (+/- depending on how sweet you like it)
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions 

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, Campari, grapefruit juice and simple syrup.
  • Add ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
  • Strain and pour over fresh ice.
  • Garnish with a grapefruit twist or grapefruit wedge.  Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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5 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

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12 Comments

  1. jerry thompson says:

    5 stars
    I substituted maraschino cherry juice for the simple syrup. Delicious

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Jerry, Maraschino cherry juice sounds great! Thanks for sharing and so happy you liked it!

  2. Valerie Anne Arn says:

    I bought Campari and Gin to remember Queen Elizabeth upon her passing. I needed a recipe I could easily recreate. Yours is delightful. Bitters are new to my pallet. The simple syrup is not to be skipped. 🙂

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Valerie Anne, thanks for the comment and so happy you enjoyed this one!

  3. Alicia DiPalma says:

    5 stars
    Nice refreshing drink

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Alicia, so happy you enjoyed and thanks for the comment!

  4. Stefan says:

    5 stars
    We have discovered our new summer drink In trying your recipe today, only with gin, campari and light grapefruit juice. This Grapefruit-Negroni tastes wonderfully intense and refreshing. We really enjoy it !

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Stefan, thanks for the comment! We’re so happy you enjoyed this drink! Cheers!

  5. Michael Gentry says:

    5 stars
    I’m new to Campari and I’m not liking how bitter it is so I did only use a 1/2 ounce of it in this cocktail and I really enjoyed it.

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Michael! Campari is 100% an acquired taste and is definitely on the bitter side. Glad you enjoyed it after paring back the Campari!

  6. Jennifer says:

    5 stars
    We tried this cocktail today and it was great! Complex in taste but still very refreshing! Mellowed out nicely as it sat. Might try it with slightly less Campari, as that seemed to dominate both the Gin and Grapefruit Juice. Thanks for sharing a terrific recipe!

    1. Jim says:

      Hi Jennifer! Glad you enjoyed it. Campari is definitely a strong flavor. Lowering it a bit might be a good idea.