Grapefruit Mint Collins Recipe: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic
Grapefruit Mint Collins
Equipment
- Equipment needed: Cocktail shaker, muddler, strainer, glass, jigger
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin substitute: vodka for a milder flavor
- 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup adjust for sweetness
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- Soda water to top
- Ice
- Grapefruit slice and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Method:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Start by gathering your ingredients. Make sure to squeeze your grapefruit and lemon juices fresh, as this enhances the flavor much more than store-bought juice.
- Step 2: Muddle the Mint
- In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh mint leaves. Using a muddler, gently press the mint to release its aromatic oils. Be careful not to crush it too hard, as this can make the mint taste bitter.
- Step 3: Add the Liquids
- Add 2 oz of gin (or vodka if you prefer), 1 oz of grapefruit juice, ½ oz of lemon juice, and ½ oz of simple syrup to the shaker. This combination of tart citrus and sweet syrup balances beautifully.
- Step 4: Shake with Ice
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. You want the ingredients to chill thoroughly and mix well.
- Step 5: Strain into a Glass
- Fill a tall Collins glass with ice and strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass. The vibrant grapefruit color will look especially beautiful at this stage.
- Step 6: Top with Soda Water
- Top your drink with soda water to give it that refreshing fizz. Gently stir to combine everything.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a sprig of mint for that final touch. And there you go a Grapefruit Mint Collins that’s ready to enjoy!
- Variations and Substitutions:
- Dietary Needs: If you’re cutting back on sugar, use a low-calorie sweetener instead of simple syrup. Alternatively, you can skip the sweetener for a tart version of the drink.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Replace the gin with non-alcoholic gin or just add extra grapefruit juice for a delicious mocktail.
- Flavor Twist: Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral note or swap grapefruit for blood orange juice for a sweeter flavor.
Let me show you how I make the Grapefruit Mint Collins, a refreshing and zesty cocktail that’s perfect for hot summer days, relaxing weekends, or even fancy dinners. This drink is based on the classic Tom Collins, but with a fun twist grapefruit and mint add a burst of citrusy sweetness and aromatic freshness. Based on my overall experience, this cocktail is easy to make and impresses everyone who tries it.
Notes on What to Expect:
This Grapefruit Mint Collins is a bright, citrusy cocktail with a hint of mint. The grapefruit provides a unique bitterness that pairs beautifully with the gin’s botanicals, while the soda water gives it a refreshing fizz. From my own personal experience, it’s a drink that feels light yet flavorful, making it perfect for pairing with salads, seafood, or light appetizers. It’s versatile enough to be a brunch staple or a dinner party hit.
When you’re serving this up for a casual weekend or an elegant dinner, this cocktail’s versatility shines through. It’s a breeze to make, and with a few tweaks, you can cater it to just about any taste or occasion.
Quick Meal Facts
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: None
- Time to stand: 5 minutes (for chilling)
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Ease of cooking: Beginner-friendly
- Servings: 1 drink
- Calories: ~150 calories
- Cost of ingredients: Moderate (depends on alcohol brand)
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Cocktail
- Equipment needed: Cocktail shaker, muddler, strainer, glass, jigger
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #Grapefruit Mint Collins here
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin (substitute: vodka for a milder flavor)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- Soda water (to top)
- Ice
- Grapefruit slice and mint sprig for garnish
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #Grapefruit Mint Collins here
Step-by-Step Method:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering your ingredients. Make sure to squeeze your grapefruit and lemon juices fresh, as this enhances the flavor much more than store-bought juice.
Step 2: Muddle the Mint
In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh mint leaves. Using a muddler, gently press the mint to release its aromatic oils. Be careful not to crush it too hard, as this can make the mint taste bitter.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Add 2 oz of gin (or vodka if you prefer), 1 oz of grapefruit juice, ½ oz of lemon juice, and ½ oz of simple syrup to the shaker. This combination of tart citrus and sweet syrup balances beautifully.
Step 4: Shake with Ice
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. You want the ingredients to chill thoroughly and mix well.
Step 5: Strain into a Glass
Fill a tall Collins glass with ice and strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass. The vibrant grapefruit color will look especially beautiful at this stage.
Step 6: Top with Soda Water
Top your drink with soda water to give it that refreshing fizz. Gently stir to combine everything.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a sprig of mint for that final touch. And there you go a Grapefruit Mint Collins that’s ready to enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions:
- Dietary Needs: If you’re cutting back on sugar, use a low-calorie sweetener instead of simple syrup. Alternatively, you can skip the sweetener for a tart version of the drink.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Replace the gin with non-alcoholic gin or just add extra grapefruit juice for a delicious mocktail.
- Flavor Twist: Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral note or swap grapefruit for blood orange juice for a sweeter flavor.
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #Grapefruit Mint Collins here
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~150
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Too bitter? This can happen if you muddle the mint too harshly or use too much grapefruit. Try reducing the grapefruit juice or adding a touch more simple syrup.
- Not enough fizz? Make sure your soda water is freshly opened. Flat soda won’t give you that signature refreshing sparkle.
- Too sour? Adjust the sweetness with more simple syrup, or reduce the amount of lemon juice.
Hi!
I’m Mike, the creator of Forum Foodies. In my own personal experience, understanding ingredients is key to great cooking.
Forum Foodies offers guides on various ingredients, from staples to exotic finds. Join our community, share your experiences, and learn from fellow food lovers.
Have questions or suggestions? Email me at info@forumfoodies.com. Let’s embark on this delicious adventure together.
Happy cooking.
Mike/