This Rosemary Grapefruit Tequila Spritzer is a tequila lovers dream and a happy hour hero! This tequila cocktail comes together quickly with just a little prep work!
If you are anything like me, you are longing for warmer weather and longer days. I was inspired to make this tequila spritzer for a drink that tastes like a hot day yet only required ingredients that I can easily get during cold winter months. The bright pinkish orange color of grapefruit reminds me of summer, however, grapefruit season hits its peak during the winter months. Adding a Rosemary Simple Syrup to the drink gives the drink a woodsy flavor to balance out the bright citrus taste.
For another summer drink, try this refreshing Blood Orange Tea Sangria. Made with freshly brewed iced tea and topped with bubbly white wine, this will be your go to patio cocktail! This Blackberry Old Fashioned is my personal favorite cocktail and one that you can enjoy any time of year!
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- You can make this recipe any time of year! There are no fancy ingredients or particularly seasonal ingredients required.
- Additionally, you can easily quadruple this recipe to make a large batch cocktail and serve in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
- Meanwhile, this recipe is easily adaptable and can be made into a mocktail!
Ingredients
- Grapefruit Juice is the star of this spritzer and gives the drink its sweet and sour flavor.
- The tequila adds a slightly sweet taste to the grapefruit tang.
- Rosemary Simple Syrup adds a little complexity to the cocktail.
- The club soda/soda water gives the drink a bubbly effect.
- Orange bitters add extra citrus.
Exact measurements and quantities are listed below in the recipe card.
Substitutions
- If you are not a tequila drinker, substitute the tequila with gin or vodka.
- Instead of using Rosemary Simple Syrup, use a regular simple syrup. Or, use triple sec for an alcoholic sweetener.
- Substitute the grapefruit juice with pineapple to make a pineapple tequila spritzer!
- You can also substitute the grapefruit juice for freshly squeezed cara cara oranges for a less acidic drink.
- The club soda can be replaced with a healthy splash of mineral water, tonic water or Sprite.
Mocktail Option
Want to make this drink into a non-alcoholic mocktail? Simply, omit the tequila and use more grapefruit juice and club soda to your taste. I can promise you this mocktail is just as delicious and refreshing as the cocktail version.
Instructions
Step 1: Rim the top of a cocktail glass with coarse salt (optional).
Step 2: Fill the glass with a handful of ice cubes and set aside.
Step 3: To a cocktail shaker, add the tequila, rosemary simple syrup, grapefruit juice and orange bitters. Shake for 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes icy.
Step 4: Pour the shaken cocktail over top of the ice.
Step 5: Top with club soda.
Step 6: Finally, garnish with a rosemary sprig and grapefruit wedges.
Top tip
Make this into a large batch tequila cocktail! To a pitcher, add 2 cups tequila, 4 cups grapefruit juice, roughly ½ cup Rosemary Simple Syrup and 2 teaspoons of orange bitters. Stir to combine. Serve over ice and top with club soda. This tequila cocktail is a crowd pleaser!
FAQ
Rosemary Simple Syrup is very easy to make and is the perfect addition to a good cocktail. Firstly, add one cup sugar, one cup water and a few rosemary sprigs to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir together to dissolve the sugar. Then, bring to a simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool and thicken. Finally, store in an airtight container.
You can make this tequila spritzer recipe ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Combine the grapefruit juice, Rosemary Simple Syrup, tequila and orange bitters in a large pitcher. Do not add the club soda. Store refrigerated for up to a week. Before serving, give the cocktail a good stir. Pour over ice and top with club soda.
Tequila Blanco (also known as silver tequila) goes best in a spritzer because of its smooth, bold flavor. Do not be afraid to try a Reposado in a spritzer. You want to taste the tequila so use a tequila that you enjoy.
Related
Looking for other cocktail recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with cocktails:
📖 Recipe
Rosemary Grapefruit Tequila Spritzer Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila
- 4 ounces Grapefruit Juice
- ½ - 1 ounce Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
- Club Soda to top
- Grapefruit Slices and Rosemary Sprig to garnish
- Coarse Salt to rim glass
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1 cup White Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- 3 Rosemary Sprigs
Instructions
- Rim the top of a cocktail glass with coarse salt and add ice cubes.
- To a cocktail shaker, add grapefruit juice, tequila, Rosemary Simple Syrup and orange bitters. Shake for 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes cold and icy.
- Pour cocktail mixture over top of ice. Top with club soda.
- Finally garnish drink with grapefruit slices and rosemary sprig.
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- Add water, sugar and rosemary springs to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir together to dissolve sugar. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat to allow the syrup to cool and thicken.
- After cooling, store refrigerated in an airtight container.
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