Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka Spritz
A tangy and lightly effervescent cocktail that combines fresh grapefruit with crisp vodka and a touch of herbal complexity. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together Vodka, Fresh ruby red 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 145 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 Vodka
- 2 oz Fresh ruby red grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz Elderflower liqueur
- 2 oz Club soda
- 1 cup Ice cubes
- 1 piece Grapefruit twist
- 1 sprig Fresh thyme sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with 1 cup ice cubes. Pour in 1.5 oz vodka, 2 oz fresh ruby red grapefruit juice, and 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously for 10 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 3: Strain into a large wine glass filled halfway with ice cubes.
- Step 4: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds.
- Step 5: Garnish by expressing a grapefruit twist over the drink and resting it on the rim, then add a fresh thyme sprig tucked alongside.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka Spritz 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 Red Grapefruit Vodka Spritz?
Refrigerate any leftover ruby red grapefruit vodka spritz 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 Red Grapefruit Vodka Spritz?
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 Red Grapefruit Vodka Spritz 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 Red Grapefruit Vodka Spritz?
Cocktails & Drinks 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.
