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Grapefruit Julep Cocktail Drink

Grapefruit Julep Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Refresh yourself with this easy Grapefruit Julep Cocktail recipe! Combine bourbon, grapefruit juice, honey, and mint for the perfect spring cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 187

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • ½ oz honey syrup
  • 10-12 fresh mint leaves
  • Crushed ice
  • Grapefruit slice or mint sprig - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Julep Cup or Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Add Mint: Place 10-12 fresh mint leaves in one hand and gently smack it with the other to release its aromas and drop them into the glass.
  • Add Grapefruit Juice: Measure and pour 1 oz fresh grapefruit juicee into the glass.
  • Add Honey Syrup: Add ½ oz honey syrup to the mix.
  • Add Bourbon: Pour 2 oz Bourbon over the ice and mint.
  • Fill with Ice: Add crushed ice to fill the cup.
  • Stir: Use a bar spoon to energetically stir the ingredients until well combined.
  • Garnish: Place a grapefruit slice or mint sprig into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, try using rye whiskey for a spicier kick. I've also used dark rum for a sweeter twist.
  • Grapefruit Juice: Orange juice can work as an alternative if you're out of grapefruit juice, though it will be sweeter.
  • Honey Syrup: You can substitute honey syrup with agave nectar or simple syrup if you prefer a different sweetness profile.

Making a Pitcher of Grapefruit Julep:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 8 oz of grapefruit juice, and 4 oz of honey syrup.
  • Mix: Start placing the mint in a large pitcher, then combine the bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled julep cups, garnish with grapefruit slices or mint sprigs, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative; these are available and mimic the flavor profile quite well.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of bourbon, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Honey Syrup Substitute: Replace honey syrup with agave nectar or maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly without losing sweetness.
  • Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using your chosen vegan sweetener for a delicious vegan cocktail.