How to Make the Perfect Grapefruit Martini Recipe

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This Grapefruit Martini Recipe is the perfect 3-ingredient cocktail to make when you’re in need of some pampering without a lot of effort.

The sweet grapefruit juice offers just the right amount of tartness, while the vodka provides just the right amount of oomph to get your night started off on the right foot. It’s one of my favorite vodka recipes to make!

Martini glass on a table with a grapefruit martini in it with a fresh grapefruit on the table next to it. — This tart and sweet Grapefruit Martini is so quick and easy!

Why You’ll Love This Grapefruit Cocktail

This quick and easy grapefruit martini recipe uses just 3 ingredients to make a yummy, refreshing citrus-based drink that you’re going to love.

The idea of a martini used to scare me since they’re mostly alcohol. But once I realized you can make them in all kinds of flavors, it opened a whole new world of cocktails for me. This drink is like sunshine in your mouth and will instantly boost your mood.

Sip and savor the flavors slowly. Especially if you don’t want to end up with a lampshade on your head in the middle of the week.

Fresh grapefruit juice gives this drink the sweetness and bright citrus flavor that you are going to like even more than you expected!

Related post: Grapefruit Vodka Tonic

In my opinion, grapefruit can be “meh” but here it’s marvelous. If I had to describe the flavor in one word I’d say it tastes happy.

A cocktail shaker keeps things easy and gives this grapefruit martini with vodka the perfect chill. No fancy tricks or techniques are needed making this almost fool-proof for any home bartender.

Serve this yummy martini with grapefruit juice for any party, happy hour or any night you need a little pick me up or treat.

Ingredient Notes

Labeled ingredients on a counter to make a vodka martini with fresh grapefruit juice. — What you need to make an easy Grapefruit Martini recipe.

Vodka
Grapefruit Juice
Cointreau
super fine sugar, for rimming the glass (optional, but tasty!)

Use whatever vodka you have on hand. I don’t splurge on higher-end brands. But I always look for something that doesn’t taste like pure gasoline going down.

Especially because there are so few ingredients in this grapefruit cocktail recipe, you want to use a bottle of something that you enjoy the flavor of.

While I used Cointreau, you can use any citrus liqueur. Most people usually have Triple Sec on hand, and that is fine to use too.

Fresh grapefruit juice is the key for this recipe. If you absolutely had to, you could use store-bought juice. But fresh will really make the flavor sing!

I prefer pink grapefruits or even ruby red. But traditional would work also. There are slight flavor differences so you can balance the tartness with a little simple syrup if you need to.

How to Make a Grapefruit Martini

Woman rubbing a grapefruit slice on a martini glass rim.

You don’t have to rim your cocktail glass but it really does add a nice touch.

Using a sugar rim with this Grapefruit Martini with Cointreau is a great idea because it can add another bit of sweetness if you find the grapefruit a bit too tart.

I’m not a huge fan of a glass that has been rimmed the entire way. I usually just do a small section. You can do what you want. It’s your drink.

Step 1

Grab your cocktail shaker and add the vodka. This measuring jigger is my fave. It keeps things balanced and easy since I’m a terrible estimator.

Woman measuring Cointreau into a cocktail shaker.

Step 2

Add the Cointreau. This really helps to smooth out the bite from the vodka and the tartness of the grapefruit.

Adding fresh grapefruit juice to a cocktail shaker.

Step 3

Add the fresh squeeze grapefruit juice. I LOVE this citrus squeezer. I use it for just about every cocktail I make that includes fresh citrus juice.

Step 4

Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake it up the Grapefruit Martini. Shake swiftly and quickly for about 10 seconds.

Pouring a martini into a martini glass on a table.

Serve

Strain the Grapefruit Martini into a glass and enjoy immediately.

It doesn’t have to be a martini glass but I sure do love the look of these paneled martini glasses.

Garnish if you want to, or don’t.

Tips and Tricks

If you consider yourself a “lightweight” you can cut back on the amount of vodka you add. It will change the flavor slightly but you may prefer it. You can also add a splash of club soda if you want to dilute it a little bit.
Add ice to the cocktail shaker last to ensure it dilutes the other ingredients as little as possible.
Change up the vodka you use in this Pink Grapefruit Martini to a flavored version for a unique cocktail. Bump up the grapefruit flavor with a grapefruit vodka or try vanilla vodka for something more dessert like.
Adding a little St. Germain would be a delicious way to add sweetness with a touch of floral (since St. Germain is made from elderflowers) to the cocktail.
Herbs are a great flavor match for grapefruit. Add a garnish of basil or rosemary to add to the cocktail experience. Or muddle some fresh herbs in the cocktail shaker before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wait. Is this a Greyhound?

No. A Greyhound cocktail is made with just fresh grapefruit juice and vodka. This one also includes Cointreau.

What vodka should I buy?

If you are unsure of what brand of vodka to buy, Tito’s is a great option. It’s reasonably priced, has a versatile flavor and is a popular brand that you can find in most grocery stores.

Can you make more servings at once?

Yes! Use the servings option in the recipe card to increase the servings you want to make this recipe for.

Vodka martini with grapefruit juice in a martini glass on a table.

With gorgeous color and a delicious flavor, this Grapefruit Martini feels elevated but couldn’t be easier to make! Make one today!

More martini recipes

More grapefruit recipes

Close up of a martini glass with a grapefruit martini.

Pink Grapefruit Martini

This sweet and tart Grapefruit Martini recipe needs just 3 ingredients and tastes like sunshine. It's a quick and easy vodka cocktail to make that will brighten your day immediately.

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Course: cocktails

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 4

Total Time: 4

Servings: cocktail

Calories: 225kcal

Author: Sharon Garofalow

Ingredients

▢ 2 ounces grapefruit juice fresh-squeezed
▢ 1 ounce vodka
▢ 1 ounce Cointreau or other orange liqueur
▢ 1 tablespoon sugar optional for rimming

Instructions

If rimming the cocktail glass, rub a piece of grapefruit on the rim of the martini glass. Dip the wet rim into the tablespoon of sugar placed on a small plate. Let dry until cocktail is ready.
To a cocktail shaker add vodka, Cointreau and fresh grapefruit juice.
Add ice and shake well.
Strain into the sugar rimmed martini glass and serve immediately.

Notes

If you consider yourself a “lightweight” you can cut back on the amount of vodka you add. It will change the flavor slightly but you may prefer it. You can also add a splash of club soda if you want to dilute it a little bit.
Add ice to the cocktail shaker last to ensure it dilutes the other ingredients as little as possible.
Change up the vodka to a flavored version for even more fun flavors. Bump up the grapefruit flavor with a grapefruit vodka or try vanilla vodka for something more dessert-like.
Adding a little St. Germain would be a delicious way to add sweetness with a touch of floral (since St. Germain is made from elderflowers) to the cocktail.
Herbs are a great flavor match for grapefruit. Add a garnish of basil or rosemary to add to the cocktail experience. Or muddle some fresh herbs in the cocktail shaker before adding the rest of the ingredients.