Rio Rose – Bourbon Grapefruit Cocktail Recipe

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Last Updated on March 11, 2025 by Leah Hall

Bourbon and grapefruit with rosemary? Is there a better combo? This grapefruit cocktail will please!

 

One of the best parts about the cold snowy days of February is the amazing deals you can get on great citrus. We always find ourselves walking out with produce bags stuffed with fresh citrus destined to be used in some fresh cocktails. 

On our last shopping trip, we found some beautiful Texas Rio grapefruit that we figured would be perfect for making some of our other favorite cocktails like the Rosemary’s Blush, Grapefruit Margarita, or the Red Hound.

We have been big on combining sweet and sour fresh grapefruit juice with a floral gin. In the past, we have loved how grapefruit brings out the herbal aspects in gin, but grapefruit can work really well with other spirits like bourbon.

 

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Grapefruit Bourbon Cocktail

We started this grapefruit cocktail with a bourbon, for the caramel and vanilla flavors to provide a warming base. Adding in the gorgeous grapefruit juice and the tartness brings the drink to life. Rosemary infused simple syrup brings a sweet hint of evergreen and herbs, while adding a fresh floral perfume to the fresh grapefruit and bourbon.

The inspiration for this drink was a classic Brown Derby cocktail which is bourbon, grapefruit juice and honey syrup.

 

The flavor profile of this grapefruit bourbon sour is more sour than not. The bitters help with this and sweeten it up. You can even add in a squeeze of lemon or dash of salt. If you want a fun grapefruit bourbon spritz add some club soda or ginger beer after shaking this drink.

Tips & Tricks

• Alcohol – We always say use a good bourbon, but in this case, we will say it harder. It really shines in this cocktail. Use some great options like Four Roses, Knob Creek, or Elijah Craig.
• Glassware – this is a cocktail served “up”, which means no ice. We love a coupe for this, but a martini glass or small tumbler work, too.
• Bitters – instead of using the Angostura bitters, feel free to try some Grapefruit bitters instead. Either way, bitters are essential to counter the tart grapefruit juice.
• Simple Syrup – we used regular granulated sugar, but maple syrup can also be a great option. You could also make an agave syrup!
• Garnish – a small grapefruit slice is great on the side of a coupe. Other ideas could be an orange peel, grapefruit twist, or mint leaves.

If You Are Looking for More Grapefruit Cocktails, Try These!

• Rosemary’s Blush
• Grapefruit Smoked Salt London Mule
• Strawberry Paloma
• Honey Bourbon and Pear Cider
• Hibiscus Salty Dog
• French Tart
• Rosemary Grapefruit Mule
• Rambler’s Ruby

 

Perfect for a fans of bourbon and grapefruit, this cocktail will help chase any winter blues away!

 

Cheers!

 

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Like this recipe? Try these below, too!

The Pink Pear Cocktail

 

The Rosada Cocktail

 

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