Grapefruit Crush
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Made from fresh-squeezed juice, the grapefruit crush is the ultimate refreshing summer cocktail.
I first tried this grapefruit crush cocktail at a pool party at my neighbor Tracy’s house, and I’ve seen it pop up on restaurant menus all summer long. It’s ultra-refreshing and easy to drink. Made with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, vodka, triple sec, and lemon-lime soda, the cocktail is a riff on the popular orange crush drink that originated on Maryland’s Eastern shore at Harborside Bar & Grill, where the bartenders squeeze the juice to order using an old-fashioned citrus press. The name of the cocktail comes from “crushing” the fruit.
What You’ll Need To Make a Grapefruit Crush
For best results, I recommend using fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice with a bit of pulp — you’ll need two large grapefruits to make two cocktails — but if you’d rather use store-bought, look for 100% fresh-squeezed bottled juice with no sweeteners or preservatives.
Instructions
Begin by squeezing the juice from the grapefruits. I use a citrus juicer like this one.
Pour the grapefruit juice, vodka, and triple sec into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, and strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Top with the lemon-lime soda and garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Alternatively, if you’d like to prepare a pitcher instead of making individual cocktails, adjust the quantities for the number of drinks you need. Mix the juice, vodka, triple sec and lemon-lime soda in a pitcher, keep cool, then pour into prepared glasses over ice when ready to serve.
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Grapefruit Crush
Made from fresh-squeezed juice, the grapefruit crush is the ultimate refreshing summer cocktail.
Ingredients
- 4 oz (½ cup) fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, from 1 large grapefruit
- 1 oz (2 tablespoons) vodka
- ½ oz (1 tablespoon) triple sec (orange liqueur)
- 2 oz (¼ cup) lemon-lime soda
Instructions
- Pour the grapefruit juice, vodka, and triple sec into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, and strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Top with the lemon-lime soda and garnish with a grapefruit slice. (Alternatively, if you’d like to prepare a pitcher instead of making individual cocktails, adjust the quantities for the number of drinks you need. Mix the juice, vodka, triple sec and lemon-lime soda in a pitcher, keep cool, then pour into prepared glasses over ice when ready to serve.)
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Hi, Jenn,
Could I use refrigerated grapefruit juice from the store cooler instead of fresh grapefruits when making a number of these instead of purchasing a grapefruit for each drink—they are pretty pricey.
I like this best with fresh, but bottled grapefruit juice will work too. Hope you enjoy!
not allowed grapefruit when on cholesterol meds
do I change anything other than the juice to make it an orange crush
Hi Carol, that’s the only change you’ll need to make. Just keep in mind that it will be sweeter than it would be with grapefruit but should still be great. Please LMK how it turns out!
Received grapefruit from Texas as a gift and decided to make this cocktail yesterday to celebrate the unexpectedly warm weather. Had the other ingredients on hand, except for the lemon-lime soda. Subbed 1/4 ounce agave syrup (1:1 water and agave) and a splash of club soda. Delicious! Thanks for bringing a bit of summer to March, Jenn.
I LOVE this! Used Simply Grapefruit and Sprite Zero (to save some calories)…so delicious! This is my weekly treat. Thank you, Jen for another perfect recipe ❤️
Couldn’t believe how much we loved this one!
One of my all time favorite summer cocktails. Try it with Deep Eddy ruby red grapefruit vodka instead of plain. You won’t regret it!
Delicious! Always looking for grapefruit cocktails/sangrias
Thanks for another great tasting recipe.
Delicious and refreshing – thanks Jenn!!
I just made one….liking it!
I’ve been dying to learn mezcal cocktails I think I can turn this into one. Smoky grapefruit….not so sure
Hi Jen,
Would tequila work in lieu of the vodka? If not, what do you recommend?
Thanks,
Janelle
Yep 🙂