Tequila Grapefruit Spritz with Basil and Soda
A bright and effervescent tequila spritz combining tart grapefruit, fresh basil, and sparkling soda for a lively summer sipper. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together blanco tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) 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 blanco tequila
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 4 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz club soda
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 grapefruit wedge
- 1 basil sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, gently muddle 4 fresh basil leaves to release aroma.
- Step 2: Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes and add 1.5 oz blanco tequila, 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 10 seconds until chilled.
- Step 4: Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently once with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with a grapefruit wedge on the rim and a fresh basil sprig floated on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tequila Grapefruit Spritz with Basil and Soda 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 Tequila Grapefruit Spritz with Basil and Soda?
Refrigerate any leftover tequila grapefruit spritz with basil and soda 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 Tequila Grapefruit Spritz with Basil and Soda?
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 Tequila Grapefruit Spritz with Basil and Soda 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 Tequila Grapefruit Spritz with Basil and Soda?
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.
