With the long holiday weekend last week, Heath and I jumped in the car and set our sights on Chicago. Since leaving New York City five years ago, Chicago has been our easy big city fix. And it does the job quite well. Good food, drink, and plenty to explore on foot. While it was a much needed getaway break, I sometimes enjoy the time in the car on the road most of all. Just me and him and an open road is pretty much all I need.
And maybe this cocktail. While it was sunny and perfect in Chicago on Easter Sunday, it was snowing in Kansas City. I’ve had this cocktail on my mind for the last few weeks after having a similar concoction out one night with my girlfriends. I couldn’t help but think on our drive home how well this hibiscus grapefruit cocktail bridges the gap from winter to spring. Red, juicy grapefruit with the floral and berry-tart hint of hibiscus combines for a fruity, sweet elixir that both seasons can celebrate.
Better yet, this cocktail is simple. I infused a honey simple syrup with hibiscus tea, added it to fresh squeezed red grapefruit with a splash of lemon juice, and pretty soon after I didn’t care if I was supposed to wear my winter coat or my shorts.
Cheers, my friends! Here’s to a lovely weekend.
Make a Salted Plains recipe? I’d love to see! Tag your creations on Instagram with #saltedplains!
- [i]Honey Simple Syrup:[/i]*
- 1 wild hibiscus tea bag (I used Heart-tee brand)
- 1/4 cup honey (or agave syrup if vegan)
- 1/4 cup water
- [br]
- [i]Cocktail:[/i]
- 3 ounces fresh red grapefruit juice (1 medium grapefruit yields 6-8 ounces juice)
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce hibiscus honey simple syrup
- juice of half a small lemon
- [br]
- [i]Garnish:[/i]
- 1 half slice of grapefruit or lemon
- Place water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until it starts to simmer. Turn heat to low and add hibiscus tea bag. Allow to steep for 2 minutes. Remove tea bag from saucepan and add honey. Stir frequently until dissolved. Remove saucepan from heat.
- Place 2 to 3 cubes of ice into an old fashioned glass. Add grapefruit juice, vodka, hibiscus honey simple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir. Garnish with grapefruit or lemon slice if desired.
Tori//Gringalicious says
This drink look so sweet and refreshing. The perfect thing to sip on a warm Spring afternoon!
Tessa says
It certainly would be – I can’t wait for patio weather! Thanks, Tori!
Kimberly/TheLittlePlantation says
I don’t drink alcohol but I can so imagine this working well alcohol free too. Yum. Thanks for sharing.
Tessa says
Ohh, I think it definitely would – I will have to try that too! Thanks, Kimberly! <3
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
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!
Tessa says
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.
Rakhee@boxofspice says
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! :)
Tessa says
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.
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
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!
bella says
Love this combination…and the color resulting color is so vibrant!