Grapefruit Negroni

The Grapefruit Negroni is a bold, citrus-forward spin on the classic. With gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and pink grapefruit juice, it keeps the signature bitter edge of a traditional Negroni but softens it with a juicy, tart twist. The grapefruit adds brightness and a bit of sharpness that plays well with the herbal and bitter notes, making it feel a little lighter without losing its punch. It’s a solid choice for fans of strong, stirred cocktails who want something with a fresh, modern edge. The Grapefruit Negroni is sharp, balanced, and made for slow sipping.

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Tasting Notes

This take on a classic Negroni is bold, bitter, and citrusy with a refreshing twist. The gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth bring the traditional structure botanical, bitter, and smooth while the grapefruit juice lightens it up with fresh, tangy citrus flavor. It’s still strong and well-balanced, but the added juice softens the bitterness and makes it easier to sip. Expect a crisp start, a bitter backbone, and a tart, juicy finish.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a mixing glass, jigger, bar spoon, and strainer. A citrus press helps if you’re using fresh grapefruit. Serve it in a rocks glass over a large cube or in a chilled coupe. Garnish with a grapefruit twist or wedge to highlight the citrus notes.

Ingredients

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• 2 oz pink grapefruit juice
• Grapefruit slice or twist, for garnish

Instructions

• Fill a mixing glass or shaker with ice.
• Add the gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and grapefruit juice.
• Stir (or shake, if you prefer it colder and more diluted) for about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with a grapefruit slice or twist.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh pink grapefruit juice for the best flavor and color bottled juice can be too sweet or dull.
• Stir, don’t shake, to keep the drink smooth and clear.
• If you want a stronger bite, reduce the grapefruit juice to 1 oz.
• A grapefruit twist over the top adds aroma and gives the drink a polished finish.

When to Serve

This Grapefruit Negroni is perfect for late afternoon sipping, dinner parties, or when you want a classic with a twist. It’s great for Negroni lovers looking for something slightly lighter, and works well in warm weather when you want that bittersweet bite without the full intensity.

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