Vodka and Grapefruit Soda Highball
A bright, tart highball where vodka's neutrality lets grapefruit soda's citrusy complexity shine. This cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes brings together ounces vodka, ounces grapefruit soda, ounce fresh grapefruit juice 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 ounces vodka
- 5 ounces grapefruit soda
- 0.5 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
- as needed ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes until three-quarters full.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 ounces vodka and 0.5 ounce fresh grapefruit juice to the glass.
- Step 3: Top with 5 ounces grapefruit soda and stir gently for 10 seconds to blend the flavors.
- Step 4: Garnish with a thin grapefruit twist and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka and Grapefruit Soda Highball 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 Vodka and Grapefruit Soda Highball?
Refrigerate any leftover vodka and grapefruit soda highball 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 Vodka and Grapefruit Soda Highball?
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 Vodka and Grapefruit Soda Highball 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 should I serve with Vodka and Grapefruit Soda Highball?
A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and elegant. The best highball I've made at home.
- ★★★★★
Love how the bitterness of grapefruit balances the vodka. Served it at a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
My go-to for parties. Easy to make and always a hit.
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