I've created what might be my absolute favorite – this Sparkling Grapefruit Rosemary Mocktail. The bright, tangy grapefruit juice pairs perfectly with the aromatic rosemary syrup, creating a sophisticated drink that's refreshing, not too sweet, and absolutely gorgeous in the glass.
What I love most is how simple it is to make, yet it looks and tastes like something from an upscale cocktail bar. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or a winter holiday gathering, this versatile mocktail will impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds.
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Why I Love This
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors - The tartness of fresh grapefruit paired with aromatic rosemary creates a sophisticated flavor profile that's both refreshing and complex
- Health Benefits - Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants from fresh grapefruit to boost your immune system
- Versatile Occasion Drink - Perfect for both summer gatherings and winter festivities
- Customizable Sweetness - Easily adjust to your preference, making it ideal for those who don't enjoy overly sweet drinks
- Make-Ahead Friendly - Prepare components in advance for stress-free entertaining
- Kid-Approved - A sophisticated mocktail that the whole family can enjoy
- Beautiful Presentation - The pink hue and fresh garnishes make this a stunning addition to any table
Ingredients
I carefully selected these ingredients to create the perfect flavor balance. The tart grapefruit provides a refreshing citrus base while delivering immune-boosting vitamin C. Fresh rosemary adds an unexpected herbal note that elevates this from an ordinary juice drink to a sophisticated mocktail.
The homemade syrup allows you to control the sweetness level, while sparkling water brings a festive effervescence. The tiny pinch of salt might seem strange, but it's my secret weapon, it reduces bitterness and enhances all the other flavors without making the drink taste salty.
For the Rosemary Syrup (makes enough for 8 mocktails):
- 1 cup fresh rosemary sprigs (about 4-5 large sprigs)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sweetener of choice (see sweetener options below)
For Each Mocktail (2 servings):
- 120ml (½ cup) freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, pink or ruby variety preferred
- 60ml (¼ cup) rosemary syrup
- 2 cups sparkling water, chilled
- 1 pinch sea salt (optional, but enhances flavors)
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Sweetener Options:
- Monk Fruit Sweetener - Zero calories, no aftertaste (recommended)
- Stevia - Use only ¼ cup as it's much sweeter
- Regular Sugar - Traditional option
- Honey - Adds a subtle floral note (not vegan)
- Maple Syrup - Adds a warm dimension to the flavor profile
- Agave Nectar - Milder sweetness, dissolves easily
Equipment
- Small Saucepan - For preparing the rosemary syrup
- Citrus Juicer - For extracting fresh grapefruit juice efficiently (electric or manual both work)
- Fine Mesh Strainer - To remove rosemary leaves and any pulp from the syrup and juice
- Measuring Cups and Spoons - For precise measurements of ingredients
- Stirring Spoon - For mixing the syrup ingredients while heating
- Highball or Collins Glasses - Tall glasses showcase the beautiful color and garnishes
- Ice Cube Tray - For preparing ice ahead of time (consider making grapefruit ice cubes for an extra touch)
- Glass Bottle with Lid - For storing leftover rosemary syrup
How To Make
For the Rosemary Syrup:
- Combine fresh rosemary sprigs, water, and sweetener in a small saucepan.
- Stir continuously over medium heat until sweetener completely dissolves.
- Reduce heat to low and maintain a very gentle simmer (barely bubbling) for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover the pan, and allow to steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a glass bottle or container.
- Let cool completely before using. (Can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored in the refrigerator.)
For Each Mocktail:
- Fill highball glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour ¼ cup (60ml) freshly squeezed grapefruit juice into each glass.
- Add 2 tablespoons (30ml) of rosemary syrup to each glass.
- Top with 1 cup chilled sparkling water per glass.
- Add a tiny pinch of sea salt if desired (enhances flavors).
- Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a slice of grapefruit.
- Serve immediately.
Substitutions
- Citrus Options - Substitute blood orange or pink grapefruit and orange combination if regular grapefruit is too bitter
- Herb Variations - Try thyme or lavender instead of rosemary for different aromatic profiles
- Carbonation Alternatives - Use tonic water for added complexity or flavored sparkling water (like lime or lemon) for extra zing
- Sweetener Substitutes - Any sweetener works; adjust quantities based on sweetness level
- Salt Alternative - Try a smoked salt for a unique twist or omit completely if preferred
Pro Tips
- Use Ruby Red Grapefruit - For a sweeter, more vibrant colored drink with less bitterness
- Chill Components - For the best experience, chill the grapefruit juice and syrup before mixing
- Taste Test - Grapefruit varies in sweetness and bitterness by season and variety; always taste and adjust syrup amount accordingly
- Herb Freshness - Use bright green, aromatic rosemary for the best flavor infusion
- Syrup Concentration - For a more intense rosemary flavor, let the syrup steep longer (up to an hour)
- Beautiful Ice - Freeze thin slices of grapefruit or rosemary sprigs in ice cubes for a stunning presentation
- Rimming Option - For a special touch, rim glasses with a mixture of sugar and dried, powdered rosemary
- Batch Preparation - For parties, triple the recipe and serve in a glass pitcher with plenty of garnishes
FAQ
Yes! Prepare the rosemary syrup and squeeze the grapefruit juice up to 3 days ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator. Combine with sparkling water just before serving to maintain carbonation.
Yes, when made with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, this mocktail is keto-friendly with minimal carbs from the grapefruit juice.
Fresh is strongly recommended for the best flavor, but if using bottled, choose 100% juice without added sugars and consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten the flavor.
This mocktail pairs beautifully with: Gin (2 oz per serving), Vodka (1.5 oz per serving), Prosecco or champagne (substitute for half the sparkling water)
Fresh rosemary provides the best aromatic qualities, but in a pinch, you can use ⅓ cup dried rosemary. The flavor profile will be slightly different.
Any unflavored sparkling water works well. For extra luxury, use Perrier or San Pellegrino. Avoid club soda as it contains sodium which can alter the flavor balance.
Absolutely! This syrup pairs wonderfully with: Blood oranges, Meyer lemons, Cara cara oranges, a combination of citrus fruits
Try one of these solutions: 1. Add an extra tablespoon of rosemary syrup, 2. Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, 3. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt to balance the bitterness
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Sparkling Grapefruit Rosemary Mocktail
Ingredients
For the Rosemary Syrup (makes enough for 8 mocktails):
- 1 cup fresh rosemary sprigs about 4-5 large sprigs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sweetener of choice see sweetener options below
For Each Mocktail (2 servings):
- 120 ml ½ cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, pink or ruby variety preferred
- 60 ml ¼ cup rosemary syrup
- 2 cups sparkling water chilled
- 1 pinch sea salt optional, but enhances flavors
- Ice cubes
- Grapefruit slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Sweetener Options:
- Monk Fruit Sweetener - Zero calories no aftertaste (recommended)
- Stevia - Use only ¼ cup as it's much sweeter
- Regular Sugar - Traditional option
- Honey - Adds a subtle floral note not vegan
- Maple Syrup - Adds a warm dimension to the flavor profile
- Agave Nectar - Milder sweetness dissolves easily
Instructions
For the Rosemary Syrup:
- Combine fresh rosemary sprigs, water, and sweetener in a small saucepan.
- Stir continuously over medium heat until sweetener completely dissolves.
- Reduce heat to low and maintain a very gentle simmer (barely bubbling) for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover the pan, and allow to steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a glass bottle or container.
- Let cool completely before using. (Can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored in the refrigerator.)
For Each Mocktail:
- Fill highball glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour ¼ cup (60ml) freshly squeezed grapefruit juice into each glass.
- Add 2 tablespoons (30ml) of rosemary syrup to each glass.
- Top with 1 cup chilled sparkling water per glass.
- Add a tiny pinch of sea salt if desired (enhances flavors).
- Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a slice of grapefruit.
- Serve immediately.
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