Are you looking for a fun mocktail to serve at your next gathering? This Mint Grapefruit Mocktail is not only simple to make but beautiful and delicious as well!
If you are looking for other non-alcoholic drink ideas, let me share some of my favorites. I really love this blueberry mojito or virgin pina colada.
What Makes This Mocktail So Good?
Who knew that grapefruit and mint could be such a great combo? Not this girl. In all honesty, grapefruit is not one of my favorite foods, but it works in this drink!
I love how refreshing this drink is! Citrus drinks always quench that thirst, leaving you feeling satisfied.
This is a really easy mocktail to make. And you can make everything ahead of time, so this drink is no stress for serving time.
This is a fun drink that pairs well with your favorite appetizers, charcuterie, and even dinner plans.
If this drink is made seasonally during the winter months, which I recommend, it is a really inexpensive drink to make. When we lived in Texas grapefruit was incredibly inexpensive. Here in Idaho it costs more but is still a great price in the winter.
Ingredients
- Grapefruit- There are a wide variety of grapefruit you can use, but I prefer Ruby Red varieties, which are actually a category all their own. As a rule of thumb, the redder or pink the grapefruit is, the sweeter it is. The ones I used are Rio Star. I love these for the flavor.
- Fresh Mint- fresh is essential here. I promise dried mint or even mint extract will not be the same. I also use the mint as a garnish.
- Granulated Sugar- This works best for the mint simple syrup.
- Ginger Ale- You can use a sparkling water in this drink, but I love the added flavor and carbonation of the ginger ale.
- Ice- I know ice can be a hot topic of debate. Personally I am not picky about my ice, AT ALL. I have no opinion. If you do have strong feelings about ice, use what you like best.
How To Make
Start with the mint simple syrup. It is easy to make but will take a few minutes. Add the fresh mint and granulated sugar to a small food processor. You can also mash the fresh mint and granulated sugar together.
Add the mint sugar and water to a small pan. Turn on the heat and mix gently. Let this cook for several minutes until the sugar dissolves.
Once it dissolves, strain out the mint leaves. You can leave the mint pieces in the drink, but I like to strain it out. While it is cooling slightly, juice your grapefruit.
You can let the mint syrup cool, or you can use it right away. Add the mint syrup and grapefruit juice to a cup. Then add in the ice, and lastly the ginger ale.
I like to add a sliced grapefruit slice to the side of my glass and a small sprig of mint. This isn't necessary but does make for such a pretty drink.
Notes
- There are a few things to know about this drink. First, the simple syrup can be made far in advance, at least 5 days. It holds well in the fridge and is ready to go when you want to make your drink.
- There are 2 ways to make the mint syrup, you can pulse the mint into the granulated sugar as I did, or you can also mash the mint into the syrup. The important part is the mint oils are released into the sugar.
- The grapefruit can also be juiced in advance, but I would say no more than 2 days.
- I love ginger ale in this recipe, but you can also use sparkling water in its place if you prefer. I really like the combo of the mint, grapefruit, and ginger myself.
- The redder the grapefruit the sweeter it is. I love to use the red ruby varieties, I feel they have the best, sweetest flavor.
FAQ
Mocktails are drinks made without alcohol. They can be made in a variety of ways, but no alcohol.
You can make this mint syrup and grapefruit a day in advance. I would not add in the ginger ale until the last minute.
You can also add in a touch of cardamom. I would add this into the mint sugar when you are cooking it. It won't take much but adds complexity.
Mint Grapefruit Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
- 2-3 cups ginger ale
Instructions
- In a small food processor, blend the mint and granulated sugar together to make the mint sugar. You can also crush the mint in the sugar.
- Add the mint sugar and water to a small pan. Turn heat to medium. Mix and let it cook until the sugar dissolves. Mine too right about 5 minutes.
- Strain out the mint leaf pieces and set this aside or in the fridge to chill. This is your mint simple syrup.
- Juice your grapefruit.
- Now it is time to put it all together. I used about ¼-1/3 cup of the mint simple syrup. To this, add about ⅓-1/2 cup of grapefruit juice. I am adding varying amounts here so you can customize it to your taste.
- Next, add in your ice, then top with about ½ cup of ginger ale.
- Serve with a slice of grapefruit for garnish and also a little mint sprig. This is optional of course, but makes for a pretty drink!
Notes
- There are a few things to know about this drink. First, the simple syrup can be made far in advance, at least 5 days. It holds well in the fridge and is ready to go when you want to make your drink.
- There are 2 ways to make the mint syrup, you can pulse the mint into the granulated sugar as I did, or you can also mash the mint into the syrup. The important part is the mint oils are released into the sugar.
- The grapefruit can also be juiced in advance, but I would say no more than 2 days.
- I love ginger ale in this recipe, but you can also use sparkling water in its place if you prefer. I really like the combo of the mint, grapefruit, and ginger myself.
- The redder the grapefruit the sweeter it is. I love to use the red ruby varieties, I feel they have the best, sweetest flavor.