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    Salted Plains » Recipes » Drinks & Cocktails

    Grapefruit Hibiscus Cocktail

    Published: Jun 27, 2022 by Tessa · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    A sweet-tart drink, this brightly-hued cocktail is made with a hibiscus simple syrup, vodka, and grapefruit juice. From breakfast drinks to happy hour, this delicious cocktail fits the bill!

    Pink hibiscus cocktail in a glass with ice and a lemon wheel.

    Tart cocktails necessitate just the right amount of sweetness. Sweet but not too sweet.

    The vibrant flower from the hibiscus flowering plant is used for tea and is known for its tart flavor, red-pink color, and vitamin C content.

    For this cocktail, hibiscus strikes a beautiful balance with the citrus and honey-based simple syrup in this recipe.

    Try this at-home cocktail and add it to your mixed drink repertoire!

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    There are numerous hibiscus flower cocktails out there, but here are a few reasons why you will love this one!

    • Hibiscus adds a tart flavor and subtle floral notes to your cocktail for a tropical feel. A twist on the Sea Breeze cocktail, hibiscus replaces the tart flavor of cranberry juice. Plus, you can't beat that gorgeous color!
    • The homemade hibiscus syrup can be used for multiple cocktails. The simple syrup is great with iced tea, ice cream, Italian sodas, and other non-alcoholic drinks!
    • You can also use this simple syrup as a substitute in this champagne earl grey spritzer.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Honey, lemon, vodka, grapefruit juice, hibiscus tea bags.

    Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the full recipe card below.

    Hibiscus Tea - Tea bags are an easy way to make a hibiscus infusion and can be found in most grocery stores. If using dried hibiscus flowers instead of tea bags, use a ¼ cup of dried flowers.

    Grapefruit Juice - Store-bought or fresh pink grapefruit juice works well in this recipe and pairs well with the tart and floral flavor of hibiscus.

    Honey - This natural sweetener pairs perfectly with the tart hibiscus and grapefruit elements. To make this drink vegan, substitute the honey for agave syrup in the same amount called for in the recipe.

    Vodka - Use your vodka of choice. It makes for a light, refreshing cocktail!

    How to Make Hibiscus Cocktails

    Before you start: Set out a small saucepan, hibiscus tea, and honey.

    Step 1: Place 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add hibiscus tea. Allow steeping for 10 minutes.

    Step: 2: Remove the tea bags from the hot water and add the honey, stirring until it has completely dissolved. Let syrup cool completely.

    Hibiscus tea bags steeping in a small saucepan.
    Honey and hibiscus tea in a small saucepan.

    Step 3: Transfer simple syrup into an airtight container.

    Step 4: Place fresh ice cubes in a cocktail glass. Add grapefruit juice, vodka, hibiscus simple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or lemon wedge if desired.

    Deep purple hibiscus simple syrup in a glass jar.
    Grapefruit juice, hibiscus simple syrup, lemon juice, and vodka being stirred in a glass with ice.

    Equipment

    From start to finish, here are the tools you'll need to make your own hibiscus syrup and cocktail. No cocktail shaker is required.

    • A medium saucepan for making the hibiscus syrup
    • A strainer (if using dried hibiscus flowers)
    • Jigger or measuring spoons and liquid measuring cup
    • Cocktail glasses
    Bright pink grapefruit hibiscus cocktail in a glass with ice and a lemon wheel.

    FAQs

    Can I use dried hibiscus flowers?

    You can use dried hibiscus flowers in place of hibiscus tea bags. When doing so, use a ¼ cup of dried hibiscus flowers.

    How long does infused simple syrup last?

    Infused simple syrup can be stored for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.

    Can I use store-bought grapefruit juice?

    This hibiscus cocktail recipe works well with fresh grapefruit juice or store-bought 100% grapefruit juice.

    Related Recipes

    • Raspberry Limoncello Cocktail
    • Old Fashioned Bourbon Thyme Cocktail
    • Mint Gimlet Cocktail
    • Cardamom Old Fashioned

    Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!

    Pink grapefruit hibiscus cocktail in a glass with ice and a lemon wheel.

    Grapefruit Hibiscus Cocktail

    A sweet-tart drink, this brightly-hued cocktail is made with a hibiscus simple syrup, vodka, and grapefruit juice. From breakfast drinks to happy hour, this delicious cocktail fits the bill!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 179kcal
    Author: Tessa

    Equipment

    • 1-quart saucepan
    • Glass Measuring Cup
    • Jigger
    • Cocktail Glass
    • Strainer optional

    Ingredients

    Hibiscus Simple Syrup

    • 2 hibiscus tea bags or ¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers
    • 1 cup honey or agave syrup
    • 1 cup water

    Grapefruit Hibiscus Cocktail

    • 3 ounces fresh or store-bought pink grapefruit juice (1 medium grapefruit yields 6-8 ounces of juice)
    • 1.5 ounces vodka
    • ¾ ounce hibiscus simple syrup
    • ¼ ounce fresh lemon juice

    Instructions

    To Make the Simple Syrup

    • Place 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add hibiscus tea. Allow to steep for 10 minutes.
    • Remove the tea bags and add the honey, stirring until it has completely dissolved. Let syrup cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

    To Make the Cocktail

    • Place fresh ice cubes in a cocktail glass. Add grapefruit juice, vodka, hibiscus simple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Garnish with lemon wedge or wheel if desired.

    Notes

    • Tea bags are an easy way to make a hibiscus infusion and can be found in most grocery stores. If using dried hibiscus flowers instead of tea bags, use a ¼ cup of dried flowers.
    • Store-bought or fresh red grapefruit juice works well in this recipe. 1 medium grapefruit yields 6-8 ounces of juice.
    • Agave syrup can be substituted for honey and makes a good vegan option.
    • Extra hibiscus simple syrup can be used for multiple cocktails, iced tea, ice cream, Italian sodas, and more!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1drink | Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 162mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @SaltedPlains or tag #saltedplains!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. bella

      February 13, 2017 at 7:55 pm

      Love this combination...and the color resulting color is so vibrant!

      Reply
    2. Traci | Vanilla And Bean

      April 05, 2016 at 9:17 am

      Road trips are the best, shorter or long... Rob and I love them too. Seattle is just a few hours away. Far enough to be away, but close enough to head to the city when we feel the urge. Like Chicago, there's so much to do and see. It's a beautiful city. This cocktail is lovely. Just what I like cold, sweet and fruity! Thank you for this Tessa! Beautiful work!

      Reply
    3. Rakhee@boxofspice

      April 03, 2016 at 12:38 am

      Oh this cocktail looks exactly what I need right now, even though its middle of the day. But it is 95 degrees here in India so I think that's a good excuse isn't it? This gorgeous drink is pinned! :)

      Reply
      • Tessa

        April 03, 2016 at 4:11 pm

        Oh my goodness - yes! You totally can have this cocktail at any time of day if it is 95 degrees out. :) Thank you my dear! xo.

        Reply
    4. genevieve @ gratitude & greens

      April 02, 2016 at 8:39 pm

      This cocktail is making me wish for patio weather! It's still snowing in Toronto (boo) but hopefully warmer weather is around the corner and I can enjoy this gorgeous cocktail!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        April 03, 2016 at 4:10 pm

        Boo to snow! We had patio weather here this weekend but it was so, so windy. We're getting there. ;) Thank you for your kind words, Genevieve!! xo.

        Reply
    5. Kimberly/TheLittlePlantation

      April 01, 2016 at 11:20 am

      I don't drink alcohol but I can so imagine this working well alcohol free too. Yum. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Tessa

        April 02, 2016 at 8:02 am

        Ohh, I think it definitely would - I will have to try that too! Thanks, Kimberly! <3

        Reply
    6. Tori//Gringalicious

      April 01, 2016 at 2:59 am

      This drink look so sweet and refreshing. The perfect thing to sip on a warm Spring afternoon!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        April 02, 2016 at 8:01 am

        It certainly would be - I can't wait for patio weather! Thanks, Tori!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Tessa! I create gluten-free, real food recipes that are approachable and delicious.

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