Sparkling Gin Cocktail with Grapefruit

This refreshing, sparkling gin cocktail, with hints of grapefruit, is the perfect New Year’s Eve drink to celebrate the coming year with friends and family. Easy and quick to make this cocktail is sure to delight your guests.

Gin is one of the few spirits that I enjoy drinking. I find it super refreshing when served with lots of ice and sparking club soda making it dangerously easy to drink.  

Gin pairs well with rich, fruity flavours like citrus, rosemary, blood orange, and mint. If you don’t know what flavours you enjoy you can find sample packs to try first.

I have a bottle of pink gin in my liquor cabinet waiting to make its debut, perfect for this New Year’s Eve inspired cocktail. 

I love enjoying a refreshing cocktail on a warm Summer’s day. On Christmas day we enjoyed my signature sangria in the sunshine while playing backyard cricket. 

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Why you will love this sparkling gin cocktail

• Super refreshing 
• Full of delicious flavour 
• It’s pink, sparkling and glamourous! 
• Easy to make in large quantity

What tonic pairs well with gin?

Honestly, any! You can now find ranges of flavoured tonics and club sodas with hints of cucumber, watermelon, or lime but I stick to just club soda for this cocktail.

Lots of fresh flavour will be added from the grapefruit juice.

If you don’t fancy grapefruit juice in your gin cocktail, you could try this refreshing grapefruit tonic instead.

What’s the difference between a salty dog and a greyhound?

A salty dog is the traditional name for this sparkling gin cocktail with grapefruit juice. The only difference is a salty dog has salt around the rim.

A greyhound is exactly the same drink minus the salt rim. 

How to make a sparkling gin cocktail with grapefruit

This sparkling gin cocktail is so simple, making it a great option to serve when lots of guests are around. You can easily make a big batch up in a pitcher to serve. 

If you prefer to make individual glasses that’s easy enough too. 

Start by dipping the rim of your glass in a shallow dish of water or use lemon around the edge. This helps the salt stick to the glass rim making it a salty dog. Dip the glass rim into a dish of salt. Of course you can skip this part if you like but I do have to say it adds some fun glitzy glam to the cocktail.  

To serve you want to add a good handful of ice to the glass, along with your gin. Top it off with equal parts club soda and grapefruit juice. 

If fresh grapefruit is in season I recommend adding a slice to the glass rim! 

I always say fresh herbs are the perfect finishing touch. They add a freshness to the drink and elevate the flavours even more.

Some great options for this gin cocktail would be rosemary, thyme or mint.

How to serve this gin cocktail?

I love to use some of my vintage glasses that I have found in thrift shops over the years. The beautiful etched glass designs add a wonderful glam touch. 

This style of glassware has been making a comeback over the past few years, which I’m thrilled about. You can even find beautiful pitchers that would look fabulous on a drinks trolley with cut up slices of grapefruit and lime.

I recommend serving this gin cocktail in a stem cocktail glass like mine or some hi-ball glasses if you prefer a larger serving of drink. Either option works just fine.

Tips to make this cocktail

• This cocktail tastes better fresh so I don’t recommend making it ahead of time. Luckily it’s super-fast to make! 
• You can easily double or triple this recipe when you have more guests around. 
• Serve over ice or shake in a cocktail shaker to chill quickly. 
• Add fresh herbs to garnish, optional of course. 

Cheers to the New Year! I hope you have a fabulous evening celebrating. 

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