Grapefruit Rosemary Cocktail

My “Grapefruit Rosemary Cocktail” is the perfect cocktail for New Year’s Eve celebrations. It will turn even the most reluctant person into a cocktail-believer. The mixed drink pairs my favorite citrus fruit — grapefruit — with a rosemary-infused simple syrup. I mixed in vodka, ice and topped it off with fizzy club soda. Delicious. This cocktail is soothing and the citrus and rosemary flavors scream “holiday.” Rosemary grows well in my Louisiana garden. And, since rosemary survives throughout our Louisiana winter freezes, ice storms and cold weather, I can potentially make the cocktail all winter. Yeah!

Growing Rosemary

Rosemary is the “star” herb in my garden this year. While all my other herbs have fizzled out in the summer heat and drought, the rosemary just keeps growing. This perennial, small “shrub” loves its shady spot with just a little morning sun. Once established, the shrub will thrive for years. I decided to use a few sprigs and make a cocktail where aromatic rosemary shines.

Rosemary is a small, perennial shrub belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to the Mediterranean region, it spread throughout warmer European climates and to our continent. The fragrant, pungent spiny leaves are used in cooking to season meat, pork, chicken, vegetables and beverages. It can also be added to pastries such as cookies and bars. Rosemary is an ancient herb and was believed to strengthen memory. In folklore, rosemary is an emblem of remembrance and fidelity. 

Apples or Oranges, or perhaps Grapefruit

Steven Cobert, late night talk show host, often asks his celebrity guests which they fruit would select — apples or oranges — if they could pick only one. Hum. That’s a hard choice. After giving it alot of thought, I realize that would have to turn down both those choices and name, “grapefruit.” I just love the sweet-sour flavor with slightly bitter taste but still an aromatic, juicy citrus aroma. Apples are plentiful, all throughout the year, with so many varieties. My personal favorite is “Golden Delicious” apples. So are oranges. Both apples and oranges make great snacks and additions to recipes. Grapefruit, however, are unique.

I have vivid recollections of eating a grapefruit almost every morning for breakfast when growing up. Interestingly, so do my brothers. My mother meticulously halved and sectioned the grapefruit for each of us. A healthy start to our day! My brother’s college roommates used laugh at him when he would go about sectioning grapefruit. The stuff they don’t teach in schools — leave it to tradition taught by the mother. Anyway, the grapefruit is a nostalgic part of my past. Now, grapefruit didn’t go into cocktails way back then — but we can adapt. Yes, I would pick “grapefruit” for my favorite fruit.

About Grapefruit

Since I like to know everything about ingredients, I checked out “grapefruit.” I discovered the grapefuit is is a hybrid fruit which resulted from an accidental cross between the sweet orange and pomela. This new hybrid was first discovered in the 18th century in Barbados, an island in the Caribbean region. Both oranges and pomela had been introduced from Asia to Barbados in the late 1600s. The new hybrid fruit was originally called the forbidden fruit or shaddette.

Fun Grapefruit Facts

Here are some fun grapefruit facts.

1. The citrus fruit was brought to Florida by the French businessman Count Odet Philippe in 1823, to what is now known as Tampa Bay. Grapefruit production has spread accoss the sub-topical states.

2. Today, China is the world’s top producer of grapefruit, with over half the global supply.

3. In the United States, Florida, California and Texas are the main producers.

4. Texas only produces red grapefruit varieties, the Ruby-Sweet and Rio Star.

5. Grapefruit is the State Fruit of Texas!

6. The fruit grows in clusters similar to grapes, which is why it is called the grapefruit. The fruit is tree-ripened and hand-picked, which increases quality.

7. Grapefruits make up nearly 80% of the citrus industry in Texas. 

8. Grapefruit are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folic acid, potassium and fiber.

9, Florida citrus fruit production — including oranges and grapefruit — has decreased by 80% since the year of 2000 due to a bacterial citrus greening disease as well as natural disasters. Folks, we may be facing hard times ahead regarding citrus production in the southern U.S. states.

Warning about drinking grapefruit juice along with certain medications

Unfortunately, grapefuit contains a chemical — furanocoumarin — which can lead to dangerous drug interactions. This compound can interfere with the metabolism of many drugs, prolonging and intensifying the drugs’ effects. This can lead to multiple side-effects such as abnormal heart rhythms, bleeding inside the stomach, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. (Reference: Whikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapefruit)

So, check out your list of drugs for any potential drug-food interaction before consuming too much grapefruit juice.

If you find that you are taking one or more of these drugs — back off from consuming grapefruit. In this case, substitute another fruit such as orange juice, strawberries, lemons, limes. Still a great cocktail.

Do grapefruit trees grow in Louisiana?

Yes, surprisingly grapefruit trees can grow in our climate. However, grapefruit are not as hardy as other citrus trees and I rarely see the trees around town. I do have one neighbor who has a magnificant grapefruit tree growing in her yard; it was planted there about 30 years ago. The tree thrives in a protected spot in our friend’s backyard and produces huge fruit in the winter months.

Cocktail Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for my cocktail. I used Louisiana-produced, Yellowfin, brand of vodka. Vodka has a neutral flavor, so it works with the strong grapefruit and rosemary flavors. Gin can be substituted. Club soda is optional. I like the fizz and have also considered adding champagne in place of club soda. What, no grapefruit? Grapefruit, for whatever reason, are non-existant in the produce section of grocery markets this holiday season. If available, they are priced out of my comfort zone. I used grapefruit juice. And, as mentioned earlier, you can substitute orange juice or other fruit juice for the grapefruit if grapefruit is medically contraindicated.

Making the Rosemary-Infused Simple Syrup

To make the cocktail, you need rosemary-infused simple syrup which is very simple to mix up. Make this flavored syrup ahead of time and it can last up to a month in the refrigerator. Simply combine equal parts of water and sugar in a small pot. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add rosemary springs. Remove from heat, and cool for two hours to overnight. Remove the sprigs. Transfer to a small jar and store in the refrigerator.

Making the Cocktail

When you are ready to make the cocktail, measure and add the vodka (or gin), rosemary simple syrup and grapefruit juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigoursely until chilled. Then decant off the cocktail, pouring the cold mixture into a cocktail glass. Add an ice cube, optional. Lastly top with club soda or champagne, if desired. Garnish with a rosemary sprig. As you can tell, I’m a novice bartender. But, I’m learning.

Double the ingredients for two cocktails. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of citrus and rosemary in this festive holiday cocktail.

Rosemary is a perennial herb which is easy to grown in many climates. In Louisiana, this herb needs the right spot and it grows without alot of fuss or diseases to bother it. The herb needs a little sun, well drained soil and protection from the hot summer sun and heat. Find the right garden location, and you will have a lasting supply of rosemary for cooking and cocktails.

I love this cocktail inspired by my winter garden rosemary, and hope you will, too! Let’s toast to a great year in 2025!

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/grapefruit

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/blog/2450/what-is-club-soda.html#:~:text=Because%20of%20its%20neutral%20taste,hard%20seltzer%20with%20seltzer%20water.

https://www.britannica.com/plant/rosemary