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!

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

The vibrant bloom from the hibiscus flowering plant is used for tea and is known for its tart flavor and red-pink color.

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!

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe
• Ingredients and substitutions
• Step-by-step instructions
• Equipment
• FAQs
• More easy cocktail recipes
• 📖 Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe

• Hibiscus adds a tart flavor and subtle floral notes to your cocktail for a tropical feel. A twist on the Sea Breeze cocktail, it replaces the tart flavor of cranberry juice. Plus, you can't beat that gorgeous color!
• The homemade 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

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 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 tea 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! If you prefer, gin can be used as well.

Step-by-step instructions

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 the 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 the syrup cool completely.

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 the hibiscus vodka cocktail with a grapefruit slice, edible flowers, or lemon wedge if desired.

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

FAQs

More easy cocktail recipes

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