Sparkling Grapefruit and Thyme Gin Fizz
A light and bubbly gin fizz with tart grapefruit juice and an herbal thyme note, shaken and topped with sparkling water for balance. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together gin, fresh grapefruit juice, simple syrup 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 130 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 gin
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 1 sprig fresh thyme sprig
- 2 oz sparkling water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, lightly slap 1 fresh thyme sprig to release oils, then add 1.5 oz gin, 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup.
- Step 2: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker frosts.
- Step 3: Double strain into a chilled highball glass filled halfway with ice cubes.
- Step 4: Top with 2 oz sparkling water gently to retain carbonation.
- Step 5: Garnish by placing the thyme sprig upright in the glass and a thin grapefruit twist expressed over the surface and rested on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sparkling Grapefruit and Thyme Gin Fizz take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Sparkling Grapefruit and Thyme Gin Fizz?
Refrigerate any leftover sparkling grapefruit and thyme gin fizz 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 Sparkling Grapefruit and Thyme Gin Fizz?
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 Sparkling Grapefruit and Thyme Gin Fizz 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 Sparkling Grapefruit and Thyme Gin Fizz?
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.
