If you're looking for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that's easy to make, this grapefruit mocktail is a great choice. Fresh grapefruit juice, mint simple syrup, and ginger ale create a bright, lightly sweet drink that's perfect for brunch, baby showers, holiday gatherings, or warm afternoons on the patio.
The homemade mint syrup adds just the right amount of fresh flavor, while the ginger ale gives the drink a little sparkle. It comes together in just a few minutes, and you can prepare the syrup in advance for easy entertaining.
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.
Ingredients
- Fresh grapefruit juice: Freshly squeezed grapefruit gives this mocktail its bright citrus flavor. Ruby Red or Rio Star grapefruit are excellent choices because they're naturally sweeter than white grapefruit.
- Fresh mint: Fresh mint infuses the simple syrup with cool, refreshing flavor and makes a beautiful garnish.
- Granulated sugar: Sugar dissolves into the mint simple syrup for smooth sweetness throughout the drink.
- Water: Used to make the simple syrup.
- Ginger ale: Ginger ale adds bubbles and a hint of ginger that pairs wonderfully with grapefruit. For a lighter drink, substitute sparkling water.
- Ice: Plenty of ice keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
How To Make
- Begin by making the mint simple syrup. Pulse the mint and sugar together in a food processor, or gently muddle the mint into the sugar with the back of a spoon. This helps release the mint's natural oils.
- Transfer the mint sugar to a small saucepan with the water. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely, about 5 minutes.
- Strain the mint leaves from the syrup and allow it to cool while you juice the grapefruit.
- To assemble the mocktail, fill a glass with ice. Add about ¼ to ⅓ cup of the mint syrup and ⅓ to ½ cup of fresh grapefruit juice, adjusting both to your taste. Top with ginger ale, stir gently, and garnish with a grapefruit slice and fresh mint.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make the mint simple syrup up to 5 days ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
- Fresh grapefruit juice has the brightest flavor, but you can juice the fruit a day or two in advance. Ruby Red grapefruit is naturally sweeter than white grapefruit.
- Prefer a less sweet drink? Replace the ginger ale with plain sparkling water.
- Assemble the drinks just before serving so the carbonation stays fresh.
Mint Grapefruit Mocktail
This simple to make grapefruit mocktail is the perfect combination of flavors!
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
- Make the mint simple syrup up to 5 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to mix the drinks.
- Fresh grapefruit juice gives the brightest flavor. Ruby Red or Rio Star grapefruit are naturally sweeter and work especially well.
- Prefer a lighter drink? Replace the ginger ale with sparkling water for a less sweet version.
- Taste before serving. Add a little more grapefruit juice for extra tartness or more simple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
- Assemble the drinks just before serving so the ginger ale stays bubbly.
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