Grapefruit Simple Syrup

This grapefruit simple syrup is the perfect way to lightly sweeten your favorite citrus-forward cocktails and mocktails. It works especially well in palomas and comes together in just 10 minutes.

I’m back with another simple syrup recipe to add to your collection!

If you’ve been here awhile, you know that I’m obsessed with having a few different syrups in my fridge at all times for shaking up restaurant-quality cocktails and mocktails at home. My jalapeño simple syrup is a staple for margaritas and I love mint simple syrup in my afternoon cold brew. I also have a homemade pumpkin spice syrup (using real pumpkin!) that’s perfect in lattes.

Really, the options are endless and it’s so fun to get creative with flavors. Today, we’re adding grapefruit to that list.

Ingredients for Grapefruit Simple Syrup

This is about as simple (ha) as it gets.

• sugar
• water
• grapefruit

As you can see in the very first photo, you actually use the peels of the grapefruit to infuse the syrup. The trick is to stay above the white pith as best as you can (the white part can be a little bitter). Instead peel off the top layer of orange/ruby red peel and use those.

In 10 minutes you can make it on the stovetop and there is nothing fancy or complicated about it. Simply add your ingredients to a saucepan, stir and heat until the sugar is dissolved (you won’t even need to bring it to a boil).

If you plan to use your syrup right away, you’ll want to let it cool but even that doesn’t take too long. Pull out the peels before you transfer to a jar for storage.

My favorite thing about simple syrup is that it’s not “sickly” sweet like some sweeteners are. I find that 2-3 teaspoons is more than enough to give a drink perfect balance and brightness.

This recipe makes a small batch and it keeps well in the fridge for up to one month so you will have no problem using it.

Grapefruit simple syrup was practically made for palomas, which is one of my personal favorite cocktails (try my mezcal paloma!). This is a great way to add some extra depth by doubling down on grapefruit flavors.

I know you’ll be happy to have a jar of this in your fridge once you give it a try. Let me know what you think of it!

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