Ruby Grapefruit Campari Cooler
A bitter-sweet cocktail featuring bright ruby grapefruit and Campari, balanced with a splash of elderflower liqueur and topped with tonic for a refined finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together Campari, ruby grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Campari
- 1.5 oz ruby grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
- 2 oz tonic water
- 1 twist grapefruit twist
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 1.5 oz Campari, 1.5 oz fresh ruby grapefruit juice, and 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Top with 2 oz tonic water and stir once gently to combine.
- Step 5: Express a wide strip of grapefruit peel over the surface to release oils, then rim the glass with it and drop it in as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ruby Grapefruit Campari Cooler take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Ruby Grapefruit Campari Cooler?
Refrigerate any leftover ruby grapefruit campari cooler in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ruby Grapefruit Campari Cooler?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Ruby Grapefruit Campari Cooler for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Ruby Grapefruit Campari Cooler?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
